The director of field operations for United Party, Hopeson Adorye, has criticised the growing trend of awards within the public sector, arguing that credibility is being undermined by questionable selection processes. The United Party Official suggested that recognition schemes for ministers and chief executives require strict reforms to preserve public trust.
Adorye noted that awards in the private sector remain largely uncontroversial since they are separated from taxpayer funding. The United Party Official indicated that concerns arise when public office holders are involved in award systems funded indirectly through public resources.
He further observed that suspicions surrounding award schemes have intensified public debate in recent years. The Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Edem Agbana, was referenced as having previously raised similar concerns about the credibility of such awards.
“Award in itself is good to promote people to do better than they are doing. However, when public service is involved the criteria becomes questionable and trust is affected.”
Hopeson Adorye
The United Party Official stressed that awards should serve as motivation for improved performance rather than financial exchange arrangements. He emphasised that public institutions must ensure transparency in how recognition is granted.
Adorye questioned the frequency of annual award ceremonies for public officials, suggesting that a four year performance cycle would offer a more accurate assessment framework. He explained that such a structure would allow citizens to evaluate outcomes over a full term of office.
He also called for proposals where public participation in award selection processes. The United Party Official indicated that citizens could be engaged to nominate and justify candidates based on performance records.
“We should measure performance over a full term of four years and allow citizens to contribute through clear and transparent criteria.”
Hopeson Adorye
He said citizens should be allowed to vote for the best performing ministers. They are able to see and assess their performance directly.
Financial Influence In Award Schemes Sparks Integrity Debate
Hopeson Adorye questioned the growing role of financial contributions in some recognition programmes, with concerns that sponsorship arrangements may be influencing outcomes. The United Party Official indicated that such practices weaken the credibility of award systems.
He observed that some organisers of award events approach institutions and individuals for financial support ahead of selection announcements. He suggested that this trend creates perceptions that recipients may already be predetermined, rather than independently assessed on merit.
Adorye noted that in several cases, sponsorship requests are reportedly followed by expectations of recognition, a situation he said raises ethical questions. He also explained that this pattern risks turning awards into transactional arrangements instead of genuine acknowledgements of performance.
The United Party Official also referenced wider discussions involving media organisations and event coordinators, stating that sponsorship contributions are often linked, directly or indirectly, to expected honours. He argued that such linkages undermine the independence and integrity of recognition processes.
He shared a personal experience in which he was offered honorary recognition on condition of payment, a proposal he declined due to lack of clarity in the criteria.
“I was told to pay for the organisation of the programme before receiving the honour and I declined because the criteria was unclear.”
Hopeson Adorye
Adorye maintained that public awards should be based strictly on verifiable achievement rather than financial commitments. He called for stronger institutional safeguards to prevent any perception of impropriety within recognition frameworks.
He added that while award schemes can be beneficial when properly designed, their credibility depends on transparent and objective evaluation systems. He cited examples within public institutions where structured, performance-based recognition has contributed to improved accountability and staff motivation.
He emphasised that public officials should not be subjected to financial expectations as a condition for recognition, warning that such practices erode public trust. He also noted that when payment is linked to awards, the legitimacy of both academic and professional honours is called into question.
Adorye stressed the need for regulatory bodies to play a more active role in monitoring award practices and verifying the authenticity of honours granted. He concluded that clear separation between sponsorship and selection processes is essential to preserve fairness, credibility, and public confidence in recognition systems.
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