Performance, not plaques, will determine your future – Jubilee House to ministers

The Presidency says ministers and chief executive officers will be judged by performance outcomes rather than awards conferred by private organizations.

A directive issued by the Office of the President and signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama announced a ban on ministers, heads of state institutions and other political appointees participating in or accepting awards from private organizations without prior approval.

The statement stressed 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 outlined in the 2024 National Democratic Congress Manifesto, the Government’s development agenda, and the performance indicators agreed upon with their respective supervising authorities.”

According to the Presidency, the growing trend of public officials receiving awards from little-known organizations with unclear assessment criteria risks undermining confidence in public service and creating misconceptions about how government performance is evaluated.

It noted that “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 amid widespread public criticism following the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards, a ceremony that honoured several government officials.

The event generated significant backlash across the country, with many Ghanaians questioning the credibility of the award scheme and expressing concern over what they viewed as a disconnect between the celebrations and the realities facing citizens.

Particular criticism followed the selection of Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo as Best Regional Minister. Critics argued that the recognition came at a time when parts of the capital continue to face recurring localized flooding, sanitation concerns and urban management challenges.

Many citizens also questioned the appropriateness of the awards ceremony while the country continues to navigate economic difficulties and pressure on household incomes.

The Presidency reminded public officials that future assessments would be based on results delivered to citizens rather than external recognition.

It stated that ministers and chief executive officers would be evaluated on “tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.”

The statement further disclosed that a comprehensive review of the performance of ministers and chief executive officers will be undertaken, with the findings serving as a key basis for decisions on retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.