The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President has received a petition calling for an investigation into allegations that government appointees paid money to secure awards at a recent ceremony, officials and a copy of the document seen said.
The petition, dated 8 June and addressed to the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House, urges authorities to probe claims that some appointees paid between 25,000 and 50,000 Ghana cedis to obtain recognition at the “6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards” held on 6 June.
It was submitted by two citizens, Kwaku D.A. Takyi and Kamaldeen Ibrahim, who alleged that several senior officials were among recipients of awards at the event.
Those named include Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, who was listed as “Overall Best Performing Minister,” Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda A. Ocloo, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Awatey, and Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey.
Also named were DVLA Chief Executive Julius Neequaye Kotey, Ghana Shippers Authority CEO Prof. Yaw Gyampo, and National Service Secretariat Administrator Ruth Seddoh.
The petitioners cited a statement they attributed to the Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority, Dr. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, who they said declined to participate after organisers allegedly requested payment per awardee.
They argued that, if proven, the allegations would “undermine the integrity of public office, erode public confidence in government appointees, and violate the ethical standards expected of public servants.”
The petition asked the Chief of Staff to institute an independent investigation, compel cooperation from those named, publish findings, and impose sanctions where necessary.
It also called for the establishment of ethical guidelines to prevent similar incidents, noting that President John Dramani Mahama had repeatedly emphasised accountability and good governance.
