The organiser of Big Events Ghana awards that recently honoured Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo has defended the decision, saying the recognition was based on performance assessments rather than public reaction to recent flooding in the capital.
Prince Mackay, founder and executive chairman of Big Events Ghana, said the Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards evaluated public officials over a defined assessment period running from January 2025 to May 2026.
Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition, Mackay said the selection process considered achievements recorded within that timeframe and was not influenced by subsequent events or public criticism.
“We assessed ministers based on work done during the period under review,” he said, arguing that recent flooding incidents in Accra had shaped public perceptions of Ocloo’s performance.
The award has drawn criticism from some members of the public who questioned the decision to recognise the minister amid ongoing concerns over flooding and urban management challenges in the Greater Accra Region.
Mackay said Ocloo’s assessment reflected her involvement in initiatives aimed at addressing illegal developments on waterways and Ramsar sites, improving street lighting and resolving administrative challenges within the region.
He argued that some of the measures undertaken by the minister had been controversial but demonstrated leadership and a willingness to enforce regulations.
“If the rains and flooding had not happened recently, the conversation around her would likely be very different,” Mackay said.
The Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards has come under increased scrutiny in recent days, with critics questioning the credibility and transparency of privately organised award schemes that recognise public officials.
The debate intensified after President John Dramani Mahama directed ministers, heads of state institutions and political appointees to seek approval from the Presidency before accepting awards from private organisations, citing concerns about the assessment standards used by some organisers.
Despite the criticism, Mackay said the awards were based on measurable performance indicators and were not influenced by political considerations or public sentiment.
He maintained that the scheme was intended to recognise achievements in public service and that recipients were selected through a structured evaluation process.
