President Mahama bans ministers from accepting private awards

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong directive warning Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, and other public officials against participating in or accepting awards from private organisations.

In an official release dated Monday, June 8, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, the presidency expressed concern over the growing trend of public officials receiving awards from “largely unknown” private entities.

The letter, with reference number OPS 182/2/835, states that many of these awarding organisations lack transparent, objective, or verifiable criteria, warning that such practices could undermine the integrity of public service and expose the government to public criticism.

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The President emphasised that the true assessment of ministers and CEOs will be based on the 2024 NDC Manifesto commitments and agreed performance indicators.

“Public office is a solemn responsibility entrusted to officials by the people of Ghana. 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.

“His Excellency, therefore, directs that all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, and other political appointees refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President,” the statement added.

Read the statement below:





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