The Office of the President has issued a firm directive governing Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The move, announced following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement on international travel and representation, is aimed at ensuring streamlined, cost-effective, and coherent national participation.
According to the directive, no Minister, Deputy Minister, Chief Executive or Managing Director of a State-Owned Enterprise, political appointee, civil or public servant, or staff of Government may attend UNGA 80 or any related events, including side meetings, panels, receptions, bilateral engagements, or third-party activities, without the express prior written approval of the Chief of Staff .
This restriction applies to:
• Invitations issued directly by the United Nations, its agencies, and missions.
• Invitations from development partners, NGOs, think tanks, or private sector entities.
• Any self-initiated participation or attendance funded by external partners .
The directive further states that only the official government delegation cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff will be authorized to travel to New York. All pending or previously accepted invitations are suspended until they are re-authorized.
Requests for consideration must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff .
Any government official who flouts this directive will face strict sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders as well as the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct .
The Presidency explained that the measure is designed to ensure a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation that reflects President Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda, prioritizing fiscal prudence and disciplined governance .
The directive was communicated by Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
Statement:
