The Office of the President has announced a new directive governing Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
The directive, issued by the Chief of Staff, is in response to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent pronouncements on international travel.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Spokesperson to the President, Minister, Government Communications, who signed the statement, stated that the move aims to ensure a “lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation.”
According to him, effective immediately, no government official, including ministers, deputy ministers, political appointees, or civil servants, may accept any invitation to UNGA 80 or related events without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.
This includes invitations from the UN, its agencies, and various other organizations.
The directive states that any pending or previously accepted invitations are now suspended and must be re-authorized.
The statement added that only the official government delegation, cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, is authorized to travel.
He said requests for travel must be submitted through the relevant supervising minister.
He noted that the policy is part of the president’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ priorities, which emphasise prudent resource management. Officials who fail to comply will face strict sanctions under the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders.
