Refrain from doubtful award organisers - President Mahama to all appointees
President John Dramani Mahama has directed all ministers of state, chief executive officers of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.
According to the Presidency, it has been noted with concern that there was an 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.
In many instances, the organisations conferring such awards are largely unknown to the public, their credentials are unclear, and no transparent, objective, or verifiable criteria exist for assessing the performance of public officials, the presidency indicated.
Last Saturday, one similar award dubbed "Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours,” a 6th Edition was organised in Accra.
Some of the award receivers included the Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Afo Tofey as Best Deputy Minister, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo as Best Regional Minister and the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson.
Directive from the presidency
In a letter from the Office of the President dated June 8, 2026, signed and issued by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, and copied to all ministers of state and CEOs of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), it was explained that "the proliferation of such awards has the potential to undermine the integrity of public service, create misconceptions regarding government performance assessment, and expose the Government to unnecessary public criticism and embarrassment."
"Public office is a solemn responsibility entrusted to officials by the people of Ghana. Performance in the office cannot be measured by privately organised ceremonies, self-appointed rating bodies, or commercial award schemes whose methodologies and standards are neither established nor subject to public scrutiny,"it said.
"His Excellency, therefore, directs that all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, and other political appointees refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President," the letter added.
It said the government remains focused on delivering on its commitments to the people of Ghana.The true measure of the performance of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers is the extent to which they fulfil the policy objectives, programmes, and sector-specific targets outlined in the 2024 National Democratic Congress Manifesto, the Government's development agenda, and the performance indicators agreed upon with their respective supervising authorities.
Accordingly, Ministers and Chief Executive Officers are reminded that their performance will be assessed based on tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.
"His Excellency the President wishes to emphasise that, in due course, the Presidency will undertake a comprehensive review of the performance of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers. The findings of this review shall constitute a key basis for decisions relating to retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities, and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.
Public officials are therefore encouraged to devote their full attention to the execution of their mandates and the delivery of results for the people of Ghana rather than seeking or participating in external recognition schemes of questionable credibility.
Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated.
Please accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency, the President of the Republic," the letter concluded.
Attached below is a copy of the directive
PARTICIPATION IN PRIVATE AWARD SCHEMES AND RELATED EVENTS
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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.
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In many instances, the organisations conferring such awards are largely unknown to the public, their credentials are unclear, and no transparent, objective, or verifiable criteria exist for assessing the performance of public officials. Consequently, the proliferation of such awards has the potential to undermine the integrity of public service, create misconceptions regarding government performance assessment, and expose the Government to unnecessary public criticism and embarrassment.
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Public office is a solemn responsibility entrusted to officials by the people of Ghana.Performance in the office cannot be measured by privately organised ceremonies, self-appointed rating bodies, or commercial award schemes whose methodologies and standards are neither established nor subject to public scrutiny.
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His Excellency, therefore, directs that all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, and other political appointees refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.
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Government remains focused on delivering on its commitments to the people of Ghana.The true measure of the performance of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers is the extent to which they fulfil the policy objectives, programmes, and sector-specific targets outlined in the 2024 National Democratic Congress Manifesto, the Government's development agenda, and the performance indicators agreed upon with their respective supervising authorities.
-
Accordingly, Ministers and Chief Executive Officers are reminded that their performance will be assessed based on tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.
-
His Excellency the President wishes to emphasise that, in due course, the Presidency will undertake a comprehensive review of the performance of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers. The findings of this review shall constitute a key basis for decisions relating to retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities, and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.
-
Public officials are therefore encouraged to devote their full attention to the execution of their mandates and the delivery of results for the people of Ghana rather than seeking or participating in external recognition schemes of questionable credibility.
-
Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated.
-
Please accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency, the President of the Republic.
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