Government restricts official attendance at 80th UN General Assembly in cost-cutting measure

The Presidency has issued a stringent directive barring all government officials from attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York without prior written authorisation from the Chief of Staff.

The directive, announced by the President’s Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, states that no Minister, Deputy Minister, Civil or Public Servant, CEO of a State-Owned Enterprise, Political Appointee, or any government staff may accept any invitation to the UNGA or associated side meetings, panels, receptions, or bilateral engagements without "the express, prior written approval of the Chief of Staff."

The order applies broadly to invitations from the United Nations, its agencies, development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector entities, and any third parties. 

It also expressly forbids any "self-initiated participation, observer attendance, or attendance funded by external parties." The directive suspends all pending or previously accepted invitations until they are re-authorised.

All requests for consideration must now be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff.

The communiqué warned that "any official who flouts this directive will face strict sanctions" under the codes of conduct for public officials.

According to the Presidency, the measure is designed to ensure "a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation" that aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ priorities. 

The move follows a recent Cabinet pronouncement by the President on participation in international events and is intended to curb expenditure and focus government resources on domestic agendas.

Strict compliance with the directive is expected from all branches of government.