CASH FOR AWARDS DEPICTS CHEAP POLITICS AND COULD ERODE PUBLIC TRUST
An Open Appeal to the Chief of Staff and the Presidency
I wish to respectfully commend His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to improving governance, accountability, and public service delivery. His administration’s efforts to promote national development continue to inspire hope among many Ghanaians.
However, I am deeply concerned about the growing trend of presenting cash awards and public recognition to government officials under circumstances that many citizens perceive as disconnected from prevailing realities on the ground.
While rewarding excellence in public service is commendable, the use of cash awards for public officials at a time when the nation faces significant developmental challenges can be seen as a form of cheap politics rather than genuine recognition of performance. Such actions risk undermining public confidence and eroding trust in state institutions.
For instance, Accra continues to experience devastating floods whenever heavy rains occur. Businesses are disrupted, properties are destroyed, and lives are placed at risk. Amid these persistent challenges, the decision to recognize the Greater Accra Regional Minister as the Best Performing Regional Minister has left many citizens questioning the benchmarks used in assessing performance.
Similarly, illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, continues to wreak havoc on Ghana’s forests, water bodies, and farmlands. Despite efforts by the government and stakeholders, the environmental destruction remains alarming. Against this backdrop, honoring the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources raises legitimate concerns about whether such recognition accurately reflects the realities confronting the sector.
Public awards should be based on transparent, measurable, and verifiable outcomes. They should reflect improvements that are visible and meaningful to the ordinary Ghanaian. When recognition appears to ignore ongoing challenges, it creates the impression that political considerations have taken precedence over objective performance assessment.
I therefore respectfully call on the Chief of Staff and the Presidency to review the criteria and processes used in granting such awards. Recognition should be grounded in evidence-based achievements that strengthen accountability, motivate excellence, and reinforce public trust in governance.
Ghanaians expect leaders to be celebrated for solving problems, not merely for occupying positions. Awards should inspire confidence and demonstrate that public service is ultimately about delivering results for the people.
Constructive criticism is not an act of opposition. It is an expression of democratic accountability and a contribution toward building stronger institutions. As citizens, we have a responsibility to raise concerns whenever actions of the government risk creating negative public perceptions.
The Presidency must ensure that recognition systems promote merit, integrity, and measurable impact. Anything short of this may be viewed by the public as political symbolism that weakens confidence in governance.
Signed
William Boadi
Executive Director of EAI, Educational Consultant & Governance Advocate
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