Ghana ministers’ awards spark criticism over flood response and cabinet cohesion

Board Chairman of Ghana’s National Development Planning Commission, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, condemned public officials for accepting awards while the country grapples with recurrent flooding. He referenced a presidential directive that bars ministers and senior officials from taking private‑sector awards without approval, a rule issued after the 6 June 2026 Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards held at Accra’s Labadi Beach Hotel. The ceremony honoured figures such as Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo and Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah‑Kofi Buah. Thompson argued that Ghana already has detailed development plans to address floods, urban congestion and infrastructure gaps, but successive governments have failed to implement them.

Professor H Kwasi Prempeh, Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development, warned that the awards could undermine cabinet teamwork and the President’s ability to manage ministerial performance. He noted that publicly naming a “best minister” may complicate reshuffle decisions and encourage ministers to pursue personal glory over collective responsibility. Both commentators highlighted concerns that the awards scheme, organised by Big Events Ghana, could distract from pressing policy challenges and weaken governmental cohesion.