President John 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 private award schemes and related events unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.
In a statement issued by Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama read, “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.
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.
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 or self-appointed acting. bodies, or commercial award schemes whose methodologies and standards are neither established nor subject to public scrutiny.
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 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”.
The statement further added, “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 statement follows some big-name appointees of President John Dramani Mahama who have been fingered in the cash-for-awards saga controversy surrounding the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards Scheme.
Winners on the night were the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who received the Overall Best Performing Minister award; Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who was named Best Male Performing Minister for 2026; and Dorcas Toffey, the Deputy Minister of Transport, who emerged as Best Deputy Minister at the awards ceremony.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, was adjudged Best Female Minister. Also, the NSS boss Ruth Seddoh won the best female CEO, with Professor Gyamo winning the overall best CEO, and the DVLA boss Julius Kotey also won the promising CEO, with Rockson Dafeamakpor winning the best MP.
Also, independent candidate for Gomoa Central, Kwame A Plus, won the most hardworking MP.
Following the dust settling on the awards night, a dramatic twist has emerged with the CEO of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Kpessa-Whyte, blowing the alarm on the controversial “Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours”.
According to the SIGA boss, he was asked to pay to receive an award at the “Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours”.
See the post below:
The Presidency has released a statement admonishing its appointees to refrain from accepting ‘best performance’ awards from private organizations whose metrics are unclear and unverifiable!
— B.You by Berla Mundi (@berlamundi) June 8, 2026
At this point, if you were President Mahama, which minister are you firing, reshuffling… pic.twitter.com/saiTKpWW3c
