The Mahama administration has issued strict guidelines for Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, all government officials, including Ministers, Deputies, and heads of state-owned enterprises, are required to obtain prior written approval from the Chief of Staff before attending the UNGA or any related events.
The directive, which aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement on international travel, stipulates that only officials cleared by the government will represent Ghana at the UNGA and its associated meetings.
Key aspects of the directive include a requirement for prior written approval for all invitations, suspension of pending invitations unless re-authorized, and a formal request procedure through the relevant supervising Minister.
The President’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, explained that the measure aims to ensure a lean and cost-effective national representation at the UNGA, in line with the President’s “Resetting Ghana” initiative. “Any official who flouts the directive will face penalties as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders,” he added.
The President’s spokesperson emphasized that requests for participation must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff, stating that the new measure is aimed at ensuring a lean and cost-effective national representation at the UNGA.
