By Leo Nelson
Two concerned citizens are calling for an independent investigation into allegations that some government appointees may have paid money to secure recognition at the recently held 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards.
In a petition addressed to the Chief of Staff, the petitioners urged the Presidency to investigate claims that award recipients were allegedly required to pay between GH¢25,000 and GH¢50,000 to receive honours at the event held on Saturday, June 6.
The petition, signed by Kwaku D. A. Takyi, popularly known as Sir Obama Pokuase, and Kamaldeen Ibrahim, also known as Amasaman Broni, argues that the allegations, if proven, could undermine public confidence in public office holders and raise questions about ethical standards in governance.
“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,” portions of the petition stated.
The petition listed several government officials who received awards at the event, including Minister for Finance, Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson; Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Akweley Ocloo; Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey; Deputy Minister for Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey; Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey; Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Prof. Ransford Gyampo; and the Administrator of the National Service Secretariat, Ruth Seddoh, among others.
According to the petitioners, the concerns stem from comments reportedly made by the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Dr. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, who allegedly indicated that organizers of the awards scheme requested payments from prospective awardees, prompting him to decline participation.
“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 petition noted.
The petitioners argued that public officials are expected to uphold the principles of honesty, transparency, and accountability, adding that any perception of purchasing honours or public recognition could be inconsistent with those values.
They are therefore requesting that the Presidency institute an independent investigation into the allegations, direct affected officials to cooperate with any inquiry, publish the findings of the investigation, and impose appropriate sanctions should any wrongdoing be established.
The petition also called for the introduction of clear ethical guidelines to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The petitioners further expressed confidence that a swift and impartial response would reinforce public trust in government institutions.
“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 stated.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official response from the Presidency or the individuals named in the petition regarding the allegations.