The Office of the President has issued a directive prohibiting Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of state institutions, and other political appointees from participating in or accepting awards from private organisations without explicit approval.
The directive, contained in a circular dated June 8, 2026 and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, cites growing concern over what it describes as the proliferation of “non-transparent and unverifiable” award schemes targeting public office holders.
According to the Presidency, the rise in private entities conferring titles such as “best-performing” and “outstanding” public official has raised questions about credibility, objectivity, and accountability in assessing government performance.
“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,” the statement said.
The government warned that the increasing acceptance and promotion of such awards risks undermining the integrity of public service, while also creating distorted public perceptions about the performance of state officials.
It further noted that the trend exposes the government to reputational risks, including public criticism and potential embarrassment.
The Presidency emphasised that public office is a solemn responsibility entrusted to office holders by the Ghanaian people, and should not be evaluated through privately organised ceremonies or commercially driven recognition schemes.
“Performance in public 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 stated.
Under the new order, all Ministers, CEOs of state-owned enterprises, and political appointees are to refrain from:
- Participating in private award events
- Sponsoring or endorsing such schemes
- Attending ceremonies organised by these bodies
- Accepting awards without prior clearance from the Office of the President
The directive signals a renewed push by the Presidency to tighten governance standards and reinforce accountability in the public sector.
The circular reiterated that the true measure of performance for public officials will be based on their delivery of government priorities, particularly those outlined in the 2024 Democratic Congress Manifesto and broader national development agenda.
Key performance indicators will include:
- Measurable impact and outcomes
- Effective service delivery
- Prudent management of public resources
- Implementation of government policies and programmes
The Presidency also disclosed plans to conduct a comprehensive review of the performance of Ministers and CEOs in the near future.
Findings from this evaluation are expected to influence critical decisions such as retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities, and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.
Public officials have been urged to prioritise their mandates and focus on delivering tangible results rather than seeking external recognition from entities of “questionable credibility.”
“Officials are encouraged to devote their full attention to the execution of their mandates and the delivery of results for the people of Ghana,” the statement added.
Source: businesspostonline
