President John Dramani Mahama has directed ministers, chief executive officers of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from accepting awards from private organisations without the Presidency’s approval.
In a statement dated June 8, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, the Presidency expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of public officials receiving awards from largely unknown private entities.
According to the statement, many of these organisations do not operate with transparent, objective, or verifiable criteria, raising concerns about the credibility of such honours and their potential impact on public trust.
The Presidency noted that the performance of ministers and heads of state institutions would be assessed against the government’s commitments under the 2024 NDC manifesto and agreed-upon performance indicators.
“Public office is a solemn responsibility entrusted to officials by the people of Ghana. Performance in 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 statement said.
It further directed that all ministers, chief executive officers of state institutions, and other political appointees should not participate in, sponsor, endorse, attend, or accept awards from such organisations unless they receive express authorisation from the Office of the President.
The directive forms part of efforts to uphold accountability, transparency, and integrity within the public service.
Read full letter below:
