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 organizations without prior authorization from the Office of the President.
The directive, which is expected to take immediate effect, forms part of efforts to ensure greater accountability, transparency, and consistency in the conduct of public officials. Under the new policy, government appointees must seek approval before attending award ceremonies or accepting honors from private entities.
Government sources indicate that the move is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of public office and preventing situations that could create conflicts of interest or raise questions about the impartiality of state officials.
The directive affects a broad range of public office holders, including ministers, heads of state agencies, chief executives of public institutions, and other presidential appointees. Failure to comply could result in disciplinary measures, according to officials familiar with the policy.
The announcement has sparked discussion among governance experts and members of the public, with some viewing the measure as a necessary step toward strengthening ethical standards in public service, while others have called for further clarification on the criteria for granting approval.
The Presidency has yet to provide detailed guidelines on how requests for participation in private award events will be assessed, but officials say additional information may be communicated in the coming days.
The latest directive underscores the government’s focus on promoting professionalism and maintaining public confidence in state institutions.
By News Nest Ghana Political Desk
