Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards based on merit, not money – Secretariat

The Secretariat of the Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours has dismissed claims that recognition under the scheme is influenced by financial contributions, sponsorship, or any form of payment, insisting that selection is strictly based on merit and service to national development.

In a statement issued on Monday, June 8, the Secretariat stressed that the honours system is designed to reward leadership, innovation, and impact in public service, and not to serve as a platform for financial inducement or external influence.

The clarification follows concerns raised by Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte that recognition under the scheme could be perceived as a transaction in which recipients are required to pay before being honoured.

The concerns were linked to the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, where several public officials and institutions were recognised for their contributions to governance.

According to the Secretariat, the programme was established to promote excellence in public administration by celebrating individuals and institutions whose work strengthens accountability, innovation, and national development.

It explained that engagements with state institutions, including the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), form part of normal stakeholder collaboration and do not influence the selection of award recipients in any way.

“No individual or institution is required to provide financial support in order to be considered for recognition, selected for an Honour, or receive an award. Recognition decisions under the Honours remain independent of stakeholder engagements associated with the organization of the programme,” the statement added.

It added that past recipients, including senior public figures across political and institutional backgrounds, reflect the platform’s commitment to non-partisan recognition of service and leadership in Ghana’s public sector.

At the 2026 edition, several ministers, chief executives, and public institutions were recognised for their contributions to governance and national development.

Among them was Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who was named Overall Best Minister of the Year for his role in Ghana’s economic management and reform efforts.