The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President has received a petition demanding a full investigation into allegations that some government appointees paid money to secure awards at a recent ceremony.
The petition, dated June 8 and addressed to the Chief of Staff at Jubilee House, urges authorities to probe claims that certain appointees paid between GH¢25,000 and GH¢50,000 to receive recognition at the “6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards” held on June 6.
It was submitted by two citizens, Kwaku D.A. Takyi and Kamaldeen Ibrahim, who alleged that several senior government officials were among the recipients.
Those named include Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson (named 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.
Others listed are 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 claimed declined to participate after organisers allegedly demanded 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 called on the Chief of Staff to institute an independent investigation, compel cooperation from those named, publish the findings, and impose appropriate sanctions where necessary.
It also urged the establishment of clear ethical guidelines to prevent similar incidents in future, noting that President John Dramani Mahama has consistently emphasised accountability and good governance.
Editor:
Obiri-Yeboah
