President Mahama hints at cabinet reshuffle after review

President John Dramani Mahama is set to carry out a comprehensive review of ministers and chief executive officers of state institutions, with the findings expected to inform decisions on possible retention, reassignment, or broader Cabinet and executive restructuring.

This was announced in a statement issued by Dr Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President.

The statement also directed ministers, heads of state institutions, and other political appointees to stay away from private award schemes and related events, warning that such engagements risk distracting them from their core responsibilities.

According to the Presidency, public officials are expected to focus entirely on delivering results for citizens rather than pursuing recognition from external bodies whose credibility and assessment standards are often unclear.

It noted that the President had observed a rising trend in which ministers and chief executive officers accept awards from private organisations that label them as “best performing,” “most outstanding,” or “most influential” public officials.

The statement further questioned the legitimacy of some of these awarding bodies, stating that many are largely unknown, operate without transparent criteria, and lack verifiable methods for evaluating public sector performance.

It warned that the growing practice could weaken public confidence in governance, distort perceptions of official performance, and expose government to unnecessary criticism.

Public service, it stressed, is a responsibility entrusted by the people and cannot be measured through privately organised ceremonies, commercial schemes, or self-appointed rating organisations.

As a result, President Mahama has directed all ministers, chief executive officers, and political appointees to avoid participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting such awards unless explicitly authorised by the Office of the President.

The statement reaffirmed that government remains focused on delivering its mandate and meeting its commitments to the people of Ghana.

It added that the performance of public officials will be assessed based on measurable results, effective service delivery, prudent use of public resources, and progress in implementing government policies and programmes anchored in the 2024 National Democratic Congress manifesto and other agreed performance targets.

The Presidency expressed appreciation for the cooperation of all officials in adhering to the directive.