Four Regional Ministers have been shortlisted for the 2026 “Best Regional Minister of the Year” award ahead of the 6th Ghana Minister of the Year Awards scheduled for June 6, 2026, at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

The category, regarded as one of the most competitive at the awards ceremony, recognises Regional Ministers who have demonstrated strong leadership and translated government policies into visible development outcomes in areas such as infrastructure, sanitation, education, health, and security.

The shortlisted nominees are Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, Frank Amoakohene, Joseph Nelson, and Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey.

Hon. Linda Ocloo, who assumed office as Greater Accra Regional Minister in February 2025, was recognised for initiatives including the reintroduction of the Regional Sanitation Day, the distribution of more than 4,000 streetlights across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and efforts to improve internally generated funds and traffic management within the capital region.

In the Ashanti Region, Dr. Frank Amoakohene earned a nomination for overseeing the operationalisation of several Agenda 111 hospitals, advancing major road and bridge projects, and supporting measures aimed at improving power stability and infrastructure delivery across the region.

Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson was shortlisted for initiatives focused on healthcare improvement, including the establishment of the region’s first Intensive Care Unit at the Takoradi Hospital, as well as programmes linked to economic development, HIV/AIDS response, and international investment partnerships.

Meanwhile, Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey was recognised for her work in expanding educational infrastructure through GETFund projects, promoting spatial planning and urban development, supporting sanitation initiatives, and coordinating security arrangements during the Akwatia by-election.

According to organisers, the award winner will be selected based on the Minister of the Year (MOTY) Performance Tracking Index, which assesses mandate delivery, governance, stakeholder impact, and financial stewardship.

The eventual winner is expected to be announced during the awards ceremony in Accra, where government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders from various sectors are expected to attend.