Awards Must Not Be for Sale – Transparency Advocate Calls for Strict Criteria, Independent Selection Process
By Maurice Otoo
A transparency advocate has called for sweeping reforms to the organization of awards schemes, insisting that recognition programs must be guided by clear criteria and independent assessment processes, and be free from financial inducements.
Speaking on the growing concerns surrounding the recent, controversial Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Award schemes, organized by Big Event Ghana, Mary Addah, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), stressed that awards are valuable and necessary but must be conducted with credibility and transparency.
“Awards are not a bad thing, but they must come with clear criteria and methodology,” she stated.
According to Addah, award schemes should be objective and independent, ensuring that recipients are selected solely on merit rather than financial considerations or personal influence.
She argued that any situation where organizers demand payments from nominees or awardees undermines the integrity of the process.
“If the organizer seeks money payment, it is a no-no,” she emphasized.
Addah noted that awards should serve as motivation for individuals and institutions to excel rather than becoming avenues for financial exploitation.
“Awards must encourage the awardee to do more, not to take money from them,” she said.
She further suggested that genuine awards should, where possible, provide some form of remuneration, recognition package, or benefits to recipients rather than requiring them to pay for the honors.
The GII Executive Director also highlighted the importance of a transparent nomination process, explaining that nominations could be self-submitted or made by third parties, provided nominators do not expect any reward in return.
Touching on recent public discussions around government appointees’ awards, Addah said signals from the Presidency indicate a desire for greater accountability and higher standards in the sector.
She backed calls for authorities to review existing practices and introduce necessary reforms.
“I agree they must look into this and take the necessary actions so people will not be quick to jump for such awards going forward,” she stated.
Addah concluded by urging policymakers and opinion leaders to continue raising awareness about ethical award practices, saying stronger public education would help protect the credibility of recognition programs and prevent abuse of the system.
