'Stop accepting awards from questionable, self-appointed rating bodies' — Mahama bans Ministers, CEOs
The Presidency has instructed all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions and other political appointees to avoid participating in or accepting awards from private organisations without prior clearance from the Office of the President.
The directive, issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, follows concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama over what has been described as a growing trend of public officials being recognised by private bodies as “best performing”, “most outstanding” or “most influential” office holders.
According to the Presidency, many of these organisations are little known, operate with unclear credentials, and apply non-transparent or unverifiable criteria in assessing the performance of public officials.
“His Excellency the President has noted with concern the increasing trend of Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, and other public officials participating in and accepting awards from various private organisations purporting to recognise them as the ‘best-performing’, ‘most outstanding’, or ‘most influential’ public office holders,” the statement said.
The Presidency warned that such awards risk undermining public trust, distorting perceptions of government performance and exposing the administration to unnecessary criticism and embarrassment.
It stressed that public office is a trust conferred by the people of Ghana, adding that performance cannot be measured through privately organised ceremonies or commercial award schemes whose standards are not subject to public scrutiny.
All officials were therefore directed to “refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.”
The statement added that government remains focused on delivering its policy agenda, particularly commitments outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto and other performance targets.
It further noted that the performance of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers will be assessed based on measurable outcomes, effective service delivery, prudent use of public resources and implementation of government programmes.
The Presidency also indicated that a comprehensive performance review of appointees will be conducted in due course, with outcomes informing decisions on retention, reassignment and broader executive restructuring.
Public officials were urged to concentrate on delivering results rather than pursuing recognition through external award schemes whose credibility may be questionable.
The directive comes just days after several government officials were honoured at the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.
At the event, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo was named Best Regional Minister, while Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah received the Best Male Performing Minister award.
Deputy Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Dorcas Toffey, was adjudged Best Deputy Minister, while Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey was named Best Female Minister.
The ceremony, attended by government officials, traditional leaders and stakeholders, was held under the theme of recognising excellence in public service delivery and leadership, and was graced by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.