President Bans Ministers, CEOs From Accepting Private Awards Over ‘Embarrassment’ Concerns

The Office of the President has directed all Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, and other political appointees to stop participating in or accepting awards from private organisations.

In a memo dated *June 8, 2026* with Ref. No. OPS 182/21/335, the President said he is concerned about the increasing trend of public officials accepting awards that label them “best-performing”, “most outstanding”, or “most influential”.

According to the directive, many of these organisations are largely unknown to the public, lack clear credentials, and have no transparent or verifiable criteria for assessing performance.

“The proliferation of such awards has the potential to undermine the integrity of public service, create misconceptions regarding government performance assessment, and expose the Government to unnecessary public criticism and embarrassment,” the memo stated.

The President emphasised that public office is a solemn responsibility and performance 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.”

*New directive*

His Excellency has therefore directed all appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.

The memo added that government remains focused on delivering commitments to Ghanaians. The true measure of performance, it said, is how Ministers and CEOs fulfill objectives outlined in the 2024 National Democratic Congress Manifesto and sector-specific targets.

“Ministers and Chief Executive Officers are reminded that their performance will be assessed based on tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.”