The Office of the President has announced new measures governing Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
According to a statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, the directive—issued by the Chief of Staff—follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement on international engagements and official travel.
Under the new policy, no Minister, Deputy Minister, public servant, CEO of a state-owned enterprise, political appointee, or government staff will be permitted to attend UNGA 80 or any related side meetings, panels, bilateral engagements, or receptions without the express prior written approval of the Chief of Staff.
The directive covers invitations from the UN and its agencies, development partners, NGOs, think tanks, private sector organizations, and any third-party or self-initiated participation, whether externally funded or not.
Only the official government delegation—cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff—will be authorised to travel and represent the country. Any pending or previously accepted invitations stand suspended unless formally re-approved.
Requests for clearance must be submitted in writing through the supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff. Officials who disregard the directive will face sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.
The statement emphasized that the measure is part of efforts to ensure a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation, consistent with President Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” priorities.
“Strict compliance is expected,” the release concluded.
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