The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has been petitioned by two private citizens to investigate and sanction government appointees implicated in the cash-for-awards scheme at the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held on June 6, 2026.
It will be recalled that some big-name appointees of President John Dramani Mahama 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”.
The private citizens, Kwaku DA Takyi, also known as Sir-Obama Pokuase, and Kamaldeen Ibrahim, highlighted that the allegation, if proven, could undermine public confidence.
Portions of the petition read, “We respectfully write to petition your high office to initiate an immediate investigation into allegations that certain government appointees paid sums ranging between GH¢25,000 and GH¢50,000 to secure recognition in an awards scheme dubbed the “6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards,” which took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026”.
“It is our respectful contention that, these allegations, if proven to be true, would undermine the integrity of public office, erode public confidence in government appointees, and violate the ethical standards expected of public servants”, the petitioners noted.
“Public office holders are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people with honesty, transparency and accountability, and as such, any conduct that creates the perception of purchasing honours or public recognition is inconsistent with these principles”
“President Mahama has consistently affirmed his commitment to accountability and good governance, and therefore a prompt and impartial response to these allegations will reinforce public trust and demonstrate that no public official is above scrutiny”,the petition added.
Meanwhile, the President of the Republic, 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.
This was made known by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama.
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