The State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) Director-General Michael Kpessa-Whyte has criticised paid award schemes in public service, warning that recognition tied to financial contributions undermines the credibility of honours.

In an opinion piece published over the weekend by the Daily Graphic Kpessa-Whyte said he declined an invitation from an organisation styling itself as the “Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours” after discovering that recipients were expected to pay to attend the ceremony.

He said the event organisers offered “Best CEO of the Year” recognition but required either a GHC50,000 sponsorship package or a GHC25,000 payment for a dinner table of eight.

“I did not consider myself the ‘Best CEO’,” he wrote, adding that he had no clarity on the selection criteria, assessment panel or verification process behind the award.

Kpessa-Whyte argued that public recognition must be based on transparent evaluation and measurable performance, not financial contribution, warning that such arrangements risk turning awards into “pay-to-be-recognised” schemes.

He said public officials must avoid using state resources for ceremonial recognition, stressing that public funds should be directed toward service delivery rather than personal prestige.

“At a time when Ghana is working to reset the country, rebuild public trust and restore discipline in public administration, state resources must not be diverted into needless ceremonies of personal glorification,” he said.

The SIGA chief also cautioned that awards lacking transparency in criteria, selection processes and independent verification “create the illusion of excellence without necessarily proving excellence.”

He urged public institutions to scrutinise award schemes before participation, including examining organisers’ credibility, assessment methodology and whether payment is a condition for recognition.

“Public service must be protected from the creeping culture of purchased prestige,” he said, adding that leadership should be measured by reforms and service delivery rather than ceremonial accolades.

Paid award schemes, often hosted in hotels and requiring sponsorship fees or table purchases, have drawn growing criticism in Ghana in recent years over concerns they commodify recognition and exploit public office holders seeking visibility.