Mahama Blocks Ministers, CEOs From Taking Private Awards Without Approval

President John Dramani Mahama has banned Ministers, CEOs of state institutions, and other appointees from accepting awards from private groups without written approval from the Presidency.

The directive was issued by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama. It comes after concerns over a rise in public officials receiving titles like “best-performing” or “most outstanding” from little-known private organisations.

*Why the ban:*

- *Unclear credentials*: Many awarding bodies are unknown to the public and lack transparent criteria.

- *Integrity risks*: The Presidency says the trend could damage public service credibility and create false impressions about how performance is judged.

- *Public criticism*: Such awards expose government to embarrassment because their methods aren’t open to scrutiny.

*New rules for officials:*

- *No participation*: Cannot attend, sponsor, endorse, or accept awards from private groups unless the Office of the President approves.

- *Focus on delivery*: Officials told to concentrate on results, not external recognition.

- *How performance will be judged*: Based on tangible outcomes, service delivery, prudent use of public funds, and implementation of government policies, not private ceremonies.

The Presidency added that a full review of Ministers and CEOs will happen soon. Results will guide decisions on who stays in office, who gets reassigned, and future executive changes. The review will focus on NDC 2024 manifesto targets and other agreed goals.

The move follows the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held June 6, 2026, at Labadi Beach Hotel. Honourees included Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo as Best Regional Minister, Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as Best Male Performing Minister, Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Toffey as Best Deputy Minister, and Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey as Best Female Minister. Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II attended.