President John Dramani Mahama has signalled a possible ministerial reshuffle following a comprehensive performance review of Ministers of State and Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, amid growing controversy over public officials’ involvement in private award schemes.
The directive, dated June 8, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, outlines plans for a wide-ranging assessment of government appointees, with outcomes expected to influence future executive decisions.
It states that the findings of the review will play a decisive role in leadership changes within government, noting that they “shall constitute a key basis for decisions relating to retention in office, reassignment of responsibilities, and any future Cabinet or executive restructuring.”
The Presidency, under John Dramani Mahama, indicated that the exercise will be undertaken “in due course” and will cover both Ministers and Chief Executive Officers of state-owned enterprises.
According to the directive issued through the Office of the President, Ghana, appointees will be assessed against policy objectives, sector targets, and commitments outlined in the 2024 manifesto as well as other national development frameworks.
Officials will also be evaluated based on measurable outcomes, efficiency in service delivery, prudent management of public resources, and the effective implementation of government programmes.
The communication forms part of a broader directive addressing what the Presidency describes as rising concerns over the participation of public officials in private award schemes.
It bars Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, and other political appointees from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from private organisations unless expressly authorised by the Presidency.
The directive raises concern about what it describes as an increasing trend of public officials receiving awards from largely unknown organisations, noting that such bodies often lack transparent and verifiable criteria for recognising performance. It specifically mentions awards labelled as “best-performing,” “most outstanding,” and “most influential.”
The circular was addressed to all Ministers of State and Chief Executive Officers of state institutions, with copies sent to the Vice President and Chief of Staff.
The move comes in the wake of public debate following the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held on Saturday, June 6 at the Labadi Beach Hotel, where several government officials were honoured. The event drew criticism over the credibility of the awards and the selection process.
President Mahama has since urged appointees to focus on delivering results rather than pursuing external recognition, reinforcing what appears to be a shift toward stricter performance-based accountability within government.
