The Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Michael Kpessa-Whyte, has rejected an award invitation from an organisation calling itself the “Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Honours,” citing concerns over transparency, credibility, and what he described as a “pay-to-be-recognised” scheme.

In a detailed public statement, Mr. Kpessa-Whyte said he was informed that he had been adjudged “Best CEO of the Year” and invited to a ceremony scheduled at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.

However, he raised questions about the legitimacy of the award, noting that he was not provided with information on the selection criteria, assessment process, evaluation panel, or competing nominees.

He further stated that his office later discovered that attendance at the event was tied to payment, with organisers reportedly offering participation packages of GHS50,000 or a GHS25,000 table booking for eight guests.

“I opted not to be part of it,” he stated, describing the arrangement as one that risks turning public recognition into a commercial transaction rather than a merit-based honour.

Mr. Kpessa-Whyte cautioned that such practices undermine the integrity of awards systems and erode public trust, particularly when criteria for selection are unclear and participation is linked to financial contributions.

He stressed that genuine recognition should be based on transparent evaluation, measurable performance, and public impact, rather than sponsorship payments or event purchases.

According to him, public office holders must be vigilant against schemes that encourage “purchased prestige,” warning that state resources should not be used to fund ceremonial events that do not directly contribute to institutional performance or public service delivery.

He added that the true measure of leadership lies in institutional reforms, improved service delivery, and tangible benefits to citizens rather than ceremonial honours.

The SIGA boss urged public officials and institutions to carefully scrutinise award schemes before accepting invitations, asking key questions about organisers’ credibility, evaluation methods, and whether financial contributions are required for participation.

Mr. Kpessa-Whyte concluded that public service should remain focused on accountability, discipline, and national development, rather than what he described as the pursuit of “ceremonial recognition.”