Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has been named the Overall Best Performing Minister at the 6th Ghana Minister of the Year Awards, in recognition of what organisers described as his distinguished service and performance at the Ministry of Finance.
The awards ceremony, held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, celebrated excellence in public service, dedication and impactful leadership in governance during the 2025 review period.
The event brought together political leaders, ministers of state, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), heads of public institutions and other distinguished guests to honour public officials who have demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and commitment to national development.
Organisers said the awards scheme seeks to promote accountability and excellence in governance while recognising individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to public administration. The awards also celebrate innovation, gender inclusion and youth leadership in public service.
According to the organisers, Dr. Forson’s recognition is premised on his leadership and contribution to the nation’s economic management and fiscal policy implementation.
Several ministers were also honoured in the Best Performing Minister category. They included the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu; the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku; the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; and the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.
In the deputy ministerial category, Dorcas Affo-Toffey and Dr. Justice Srem-Sai received awards for their contributions to governance and public service.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, was adjudged the Best Regional Minister of 2025, while Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa received the Best Young Minister of the Year award.
The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, was named Best Innovation Minister of the Year. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey was recognised as Best Female Minister of the Year, while Eric Opoku received the Best Male Minister of the Year award.
The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition emerged as the Best Government Ministry of the Year for its role in driving innovation and policy implementation within the sector.
At the local government level, Michael Kpakpo Allotey was honoured as Best Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Year. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor received the Distinguished Parliamentary Service Award, while Kwame Obeng Asare, popularly known as A Plus, was named Most Impactful New Member of Parliament.
Prof. George Agyei was recognised as Best Performing CEO of the Year. Other public officials honoured in various CEO categories included Christopher Boadi-Mensah, Sylvester Mensah, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, Ruth Dela Seddoh, Julius Neequaye Kotey and Simon Madjie.
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, was among the dignitaries who attended the event.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah