The Secretariat explained that the honours scheme is designed to recognise notable contributions
The Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours Secretariat has clarified that no award is, and has ever been, conditional upon financial support, sponsorship or any form of contribution.
According to a statement dated June 8, 2026, no individual or institution is required to provide financial support in order to be considered for recognition, selected for an honour or receive any award.
The Secretariat explained that the honours scheme is designed to recognise notable contributions within a given period, with a broader aim of promoting commitment, accountability, innovation and service across all levels of public administration.
It noted that the platform has, over the years, positioned itself as one of the country’s recognised initiatives for celebrating leadership and service within the public sector.
The awards, it said, were established to highlight individuals and institutions whose work contributes meaningfully to national development and strengthens governance practices.
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In line with this objective, the Secretariat said it engages a wide range of stakeholders, including public institutions, development partners, professional bodies, state-owned enterprises and organisations whose mandates align with governance, performance and national development goals.
It explained that it was within this framework that it engaged the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), describing the body as the government’s oversight institution for state-owned enterprises and a key player in promoting accountability, performance management and good governance within the public sector.
The Secretariat emphasised that SIGA was considered a natural institutional partner due to the alignment between its mandate and the objectives of the honours scheme.
However, it stressed that the engagement was undertaken purely in good faith and as part of broader stakeholder collaboration efforts, similar to engagements with other institutions over the years.
Crucially, the Secretariat stated that the interaction with SIGA had no connection whatsoever to the selection of award recipients or the conferment of honours.
It added that recognition decisions remain fully independent and are not influenced by any stakeholder engagements related to the organisation of the programme.
The statement also highlighted the history of the honours platform, noting that it has recognised a wide range of distinguished personalities from political, academic and professional backgrounds over the years.
Among past recipients mentioned were Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Prof. Joshua Alabi, Kwamena Bartels, Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Alan Kyerematen, Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Hackman Owusu-Agyemang and Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu.
According to the Secretariat, the variety of individuals recognised over time reflects the guiding philosophy of the scheme, which is to celebrate excellence, leadership, innovation and national service regardless of background, affiliation or sector.
The Secretariat noted that public service remains one of the most demanding areas of national life, stressing that progress depends on institutions and leaders who are committed to delivering results, strengthening public trust and advancing innovation.
It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to promoting excellence in public service and recognising individuals and institutions whose work contributes to national development, while maintaining that the integrity and independence of its selection process remain central to its operations.
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