Two private citizens have petitioned the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, to investigate and sanction government appointees implicated in what they describe as an alleged "cash-for-awards" scheme.

The petition, dated June 8, 2026, was addressed to the Office of the President and calls for an immediate probe into claims that some government officials allegedly paid between GH¢25,000 and GH¢50,000 to receive recognition at the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held on June 6, 2026.

Confusion as award-for-cash allegations rock 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards

“We respectfully write to petition your high office to initiate an immediate investigation into allegations that certain government appointees paid sums ranging between GH¢25,000 and GH¢50,000 to secure recognition in an awards scheme dubbed the "6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards," which took place on Saturday, June 6, 2026,” portions of the petition read.

The petitioners, Kwaku DA Takyi, also known as Sir-Obama Pokuase, and Kamaldeen Ibrahim, argued that if the allegations were proven, they could undermine public confidence in public officeholders and damage the integrity of public service.

According to the petition, several high-ranking government officials were honoured at the event.

They include Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson; Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo; Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey; Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey; CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Julius Neequaye Kotey; CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof Ransford Gyampo; and National Service Authority Administrator, Ruth Seddoh.

The petition cited recent comments by the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Prof Michael Kpessa-Whyte, who disclosed that he declined participation in the awards scheme after organisers allegedly requested a sponsorship package of GH¢50,000 or the purchase of a dinner table worth GH¢25,000.

The petitioners said the allegations warrant scrutiny.

"It is our respectful contention that, these allegations, if proven to be true, would undermine the integrity of public office, erode public confidence in government appointees, and violate the ethical standards expected of public servants," the petitioners noted.

They further argued that public officials are expected to uphold transparency, accountability and honesty in the discharge of their duties.

"Public office holders are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people with honesty, transparency and accountability, and as such, any conduct that creates the perception of purchasing honours or public recognition is inconsistent with these principles," they stated.

The petitioners requested that the Office of the President institute an independent investigation into the allegations and direct all affected appointees to cooperate with any inquiry.

They also called for the publication of the findings of any investigation, the imposition of appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is established, and the development of ethical guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Best Regional Minister Award: Linda Ocloo hits back at critics

The petitioners said a prompt response from the presidency would reinforce public trust and demonstrate that no public official is above scrutiny.

"President Mahama has consistently affirmed his commitment to accountability and good governance, and therefore a prompt and impartial response to these allegations will reinforce public trust and demonstrate that no public official is above scrutiny," the petition added.

Read the petitions below:



MAG/VPO

Two rescued, one in critical condition after building collapse at Avenor