President Mahama Bans Unauthorized Private Awards Amid ‘Pay-for-Honor’ Scandal and Looming Cabinet Reshuffle

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strict directive prohibiting Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of state institutions, and all political appointees from accepting awards from private organizations without explicit authorization from the Presidency. This move follows a wave of public criticism and integrity concerns surrounding the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours held on June 6. The Presidency, through Executive Secretary Dr. Callistus Mahama, emphasized that public officials must focus on delivering measurable results outlined in the government's development agenda rather than seeking unverified accolades that lack transparency and undermine the integrity of public service.

The controversy intensified following allegations that the award scheme, organized by Big Events Ghana, required financial contributions ranging from GH¢25,000 to GH¢50,000 for recognition. While the Secretariat of the Honours has vehemently denied these “pay-for-awards” claims, asserting that recognitions are merit-based, several high-profile officials found themselves at the center of the storm. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson was named Overall Best Minister, while Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo was recognized as Best Regional Minister. Ocloo’s award sparked significant backlash from a public grappling with severe flooding in the capital, though organizers defended her selection based on performance metrics established prior to the recent rains.

The credibility of the awards was further challenged by Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), who publicly refuted claims that he celebrated being named “Best CEO of the Year.” Kpessa-Whyte labeled allegations of his social media gratitude as a “palpable lie” and questioned the transparency of the selection process after his institution received sponsorship requests linked to the event. This sentiment was echoed by governance expert Prof. Baffour Agyemang-Duah, who argued that democratic accountability through elections and public service outcomes—not private ceremonies—should be the true measure of an official’s performance.

The fallout reached the floor of Parliament, where MP Habib Iddrisu humorously teased colleagues over the alleged steep fees for trophies. Meanwhile, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) characterized the situation as a sign of leadership crisis, with communicators claiming the administration is struggling to maintain discipline. In response to the growing dissatisfaction, the Presidency announced a comprehensive performance review of all ministers and state CEOs. This evaluation will determine the future of appointees, with an imminent cabinet reshuffle signaled to ensure that retention and reassignment are based strictly on measurable service delivery and effective leadership.

This crackdown marks a significant shift in Ghana’s political landscape, reflecting an increasing public intolerance for performative recognition. Former public sector leaders have joined the call for service-oriented leadership, urging officials to prioritize impact over personal honors. As the administration prepares for its formal performance assessments, the ban on private awards serves as a clear warning that the government intends to decouple public service from commercialized prestige. The coming weeks will reveal the extent of the President’s reshuffle, as officials are now compelled to prove their worth through tangible development outcomes rather than private accolades.