Mahama bans Ministers, CEOs from accepting unapproved private awards

President John Dramani Mahama has directed all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of state institutions, and other political appointees not to accept awards from private organisations without prior approval from the Presidency.

The directive was issued by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, following concerns about the increasing number of awards being presented to public officials by private organisations.

According to a statement from the Presidency, many of these organisations claim to honour officials as the “best-performing,” “most outstanding,” or “most influential” public office holders. However, the government says several of these groups are not well known, have unclear credentials, and do not provide transparent methods for assessing performance.

The Presidency warned that such awards could undermine the integrity of public service and create a false impression about how government officials are evaluated. It added that the trend could also expose the government to public criticism and embarrassment.

The statement stressed that public office is a responsibility entrusted to officials by the people of Ghana and that performance should not be measured through private award schemes whose standards are not open to public scrutiny.

As a result, all public officials have been instructed to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless they receive express approval from the Office of the President.

The Presidency said government officials should focus on delivering results and implementing policies rather than seeking recognition through external award schemes.

It further explained that the performance of Ministers and CEOs would be assessed based on measurable outcomes, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of government programmes and policies.

The statement also revealed that a comprehensive review of the performance of Ministers and CEOs would be conducted in the future. The findings will help determine decisions regarding their retention in office, reassignment of duties, or possible changes within the government.

The directive comes just days after several government officials received honours at the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on June 6, 2026.

Among the award recipients were Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, who was named Best Regional Minister; Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who won Best Male Performing Minister; Deputy Transport Minister and Jomoro MP Dorcas Toffey, who received the Best Deputy Minister Award; and Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, who was named Best Female Minister.

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders to celebrate excellence in public service and leadership. It was attended by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.