The Presidency has instructed all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, and other political appointees to stop participating in or accepting awards from private organisations unless they receive prior approval 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 the increasing practice of public officials being honoured by private bodies as “best-performing”, “most outstanding”, or “most influential” office holders.
The Presidency noted that many of these organisations are not widely known, have questionable credentials, and lack clear, transparent criteria for evaluating 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.”
It warned that such award schemes risk undermining the credibility of public service, creating false impressions about government performance, and exposing the administration to avoidable public criticism and embarrassment.
According to the Presidency, public office is a responsibility entrusted by Ghanaians and should not be assessed through privately organised ceremonies or commercialised award schemes whose standards are not transparent.
It therefore directed officials to “refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.”
The government stressed that attention should remain on delivering its development agenda, particularly commitments outlined in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) 2024 manifesto and other performance targets.
It added that evaluations of Ministers and CEOs will be based on “tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of government policies and programmes.”
A comprehensive performance review of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers is expected in due course, with outcomes influencing retention, reassignment, and possible restructuring.
Officials have been urged to focus on results rather than external recognition from questionable award schemes.
The directive follows the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra, where several officials were honoured.
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 Best Male Performing Minister.
Deputy Minister of Transport and MP for Jomoro, Dorcas Toffey, was adjudged Best Deputy Minister, and Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, won Best Female Minister.
The ceremony brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to recognise excellence in public service. The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, was among those present.
