The Presidency has directed all Ministers of State, chief executive officers of state institutions and other political appointees to refrain from participating in or accepting awards from private organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.

In a statement signed on Monday, June 8, 2026, by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, Ph.D., the President warned of the growing trend of public officials receiving awards from privately run bodies, many of which are little known, lack clear credentials and do not publish transparent, objective or verifiable assessment criteria noting that it risks undermining the integrity of the public service and exposing government to needless criticism and embarrassment.

“Public office is a solemn responsibility entrusted to the people of Ghana. 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,” the statement said.

The Presidency emphasised that the true measure of performance for Ministers and chief executives is the extent to which they fulfil policy objectives, programmes and sector‑specific targets set out in the 2024 National Democratic Congress manifesto, the Government’s development agenda and the performance indicators agreed with their supervising authorities.

The statement reminded officials that, assessments will be based on tangible outcomes, measurable impact, effective service delivery, prudent management of public resources and successful implementation of Government policies and programmes.

The directive further warned that the Presidency will, in due course, undertake a comprehensive review of Ministers’ and chief executives’ performance.

Findings from that review will inform decisions on retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.

Officials were urged to devote their full attention to executing their mandates and delivering results for the people of Ghana rather than seeking or participating in external recognition schemes of “questionable credibility.”

The circular concluded by thanking officials for their cooperation and promising that further guidance will be issued. Copies were distributed to all Ministers of State, chief executives of state‑owned enterprises, the Vice‑President and the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House.