By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, June 08, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned ministers of state and chief executive officers (CEOs) of state agencies against participation in private awards schemes and related events without Presidential approvals.
A statement issued by Dr Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President, said the President had noted with concern the increasing trend of ministers of state, chief executive officers (CEOs) of state institutions, and other public officials participating in and accepting awards from various private organisations purporting to recognise them as the “best performing”, “most outstanding”, or “most influential” public office holders.
“In many instances, the organisations conferring such awards are largely unknown to the public, their credentials are unclear, and no transparent, objective, or verifiable criteria exist for assessing the performance of public officials,” the statement said.
The statement added, “Consequently, 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 statement said public office was a solemn responsibility entrusted to officials by the people of Ghana.
It said performance in the office could not be measured by privately organised ceremonies, self-appointed rating bodies, or commercial award schemes whose methodologies and standards were neither established nor subject to public scrutiny.
The statement said the President, therefore, directed that all ministers of state, chief executive officers of state institutions, and other political appointees refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.
It said the Government remains focused on delivering on its commitments to the people of Ghana.
It noted that the true measure of the performance of ministers and chief executive officers was the extent to which they fulfil the policy objectives, programmes and sector-specific targets outlined in the 2024 National Democratic Congress (NDC) Manifesto, the Government’s development agenda, and the performance indicators agreed upon with their respective supervising authorities.
It said accordingly, ministers and chief executive officers were reminded that their performance would 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.
The statement said the President wishes to emphasise that, in due course, the Presidency would undertake a comprehensive review of the performance of ministers and chief executive officers.
It added that the findings of this review shall constitute a key basis for decisions relating to retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities, and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.
It therefore encouraged public officials to devote their full attention to the execution of their mandates and the delivery of results for the people of Ghana rather than seeking or participating in external recognition schemes of questionable credibility.
“Your cooperation in this matter is highly appreciated. Please accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency, the President of the Republic,” the statement said.
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah