Member of Parliament for Ketu South, Eric Edem Agbana, has called for stricter regulation of awards given to public officials, warning that schemes involving sponsorship payments risk undermining public trust in government institutions.

In a Facebook post on Sunday (8 June) Agbana said public recognition should be based strictly on performance, measurable outcomes and genuine impact, rather than financial contributions linked to award ceremonies.

His comments come amid a public debate over the Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards, where concerns have been raised about allegations that some appointees in the John Mahama administration, were required to make sponsorship payments or purchase tables to attend.

Agbana said while deserving public officials should be recognised, such recognition must be grounded in integrity and fairness, warning that any arrangement that links awards to payments creates a perception of impropriety.

“Public recognition should never be linked, directly or indirectly, to financial contributions,” he said, adding that even the perception of such practices could weaken confidence in public service.

He referenced allegations made by State Interests and Governance Authority Director-General Michael Kpessa-Whyte, who reportedly declined participation in the awards after being asked to make payments, as well as similar claims from other public officials.

Agbana noted that the awards were organised by a private entity and not the state, but said this did not justify practices that could compromise ethical standards in public life.

He urged government to strengthen oversight and ensure higher ethical standards under its reform agenda, warning that Ghana could not promote accountability while tolerating practices that raise avoidable concerns.

The MP also welcomed plans by government to develop a regulatory framework for corporate social responsibility activities of state-owned enterprises, saying clearer guidelines were needed to prevent abuse.

“We hold public office in trust for the people of Ghana,” he said, adding that officials would ultimately be judged by the standards they uphold rather than rhetoric.

“May we not become what we criticised,” he added.