Mahama bans ministers, CEOs from accepting private awards without approval

President John Dramani Mahama has barred ministers, chief executive officers and political appointees from accepting private awards without prior authorization from his office.

The directive, contained in a circular dated June 8 and signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, follows growing public concerns over the increasing participation of government officials in privately organized award schemes.

The Presidency said public officials must refrain from “participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.”

It explained that many of the organisations behind such awards are not widely known, while their assessment methods and selection criteria are often unclear and difficult to verify.

According to the statement, “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.”

The directive comes in the wake of widespread criticism following the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards, a ceremony that honoured several government officials and sparked intense debate across the country.

The event generated significant public backlash, with many citizens questioning the credibility of the awards and arguing that the ceremony reflected a disconnect from the economic difficulties confronting ordinary Ghanaians.

Particular attention focused on the recognition of Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo as Best Regional Minister. Critics argued that the award was inappropriate at a time when parts of the capital continue to grapple with flooding, sanitation challenges and concerns over urban management.

Commentators on social media and other public platforms also expressed frustration over what they viewed as public officials celebrating achievements while many citizens struggle with rising living costs and other economic pressures.

Defending the directive, the Presidency stressed that public service performance should be judged by measurable outcomes rather than external recognition.

It stated that “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” established by government.

The statement further indicated that ministers and chief executive officers would instead be assessed on “tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.”

The Presidency added that a comprehensive review of the performance of ministers and chief executive officers will be conducted and will inform future decisions on retention, reassignment and executive restructuring.