President John Dramani Mahama has directed all government appointees to refrain from attending private award ceremonies, a move aimed at promoting accountability, professionalism, and the efficient use of official time.
The directive forms part of broader efforts by the government to ensure that public officials remain focused on their core responsibilities and the delivery of services to the Ghanaian people.
According to the President, government appointees are expected to prioritize their official duties and avoid activities that may create perceptions of favoritism, conflict of interest, or undue association with privately organized events.
The ban applies to ministers, deputy ministers, chief executive officers of state institutions, board members, and other political appointees serving in government.
It is intended to reinforce ethical standards within the public service and ensure that government representatives maintain the highest levels of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
President Mahama emphasized that public office is a position of trust and that appointees must conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the credibility and reputation of the government. He noted that while organizers of private award schemes may seek the presence of government officials to enhance the profile of their events, public servants must remain mindful of the potential implications of such appearances.
The directive has sparked discussions among stakeholders, with some viewing it as a necessary step toward strengthening governance and reducing the commercialization of awards, while others believe it may affect engagement between public officials and private sector initiatives.
Nonetheless, the government maintains that the measure is in the best interest of transparency, good governance, and effective public administration.
