The Government of Ghana has issued a sweeping directive to regulate official participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, underscoring President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to running a leaner and more cost-effective administration under his “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
The announcement, signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President, sets out stringent rules for government officials, public servants, and appointees regarding attendance at the UNGA and all related events.
The directive follows President Mahama’s recent Cabinet decision on international engagements and foreign travel, which emphasized the need to avoid wasteful expenditure while ensuring coherence in Ghana’s global representation.
“No Minister, Deputy Minister, Civil or Public Servant, CEO/MD of a State-Owned Enterprise, Political Appointee, or any staff of Government may accept any invitation to, or attend, UNGA 80 or any related side mee;ngs, panels, recep;ons, bilater”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson to the President
This rule applies to invitations from all quarters—whether directly from the UN, its agencies, partner missions, development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector actors, or other external organizations.
Even self-initiated participation, observer roles, or attendance funded by outside parties fall under this restriction.
“Only the official government delegation, as cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be authorised to travel and participate,” the directive noted. It added that any previously accepted invitations stand suspended until explicitly re-approved by the Chief of Staff.
To seek approval, officials must channel requests in writing through their supervising minister to the Chief of Staff.
Sanctions for Non-Compliance
The directive further warned that any breach of this policy would attract sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders, as well as the civil and public service codes of conduct.
Explaining the rationale behind the directive, government communications emphasized that the measure is not intended to curtail Ghana’s international presence but rather to streamline it in a manner that reflects fiscal prudence and policy coherence.
The administration stressed that past experiences of bloated delegations and fragmented participation often undermined the country’s credibility while straining public resources.
“This measure is intended to ensure a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation that aligns with the president’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ priorities,” the statement underscored.
Since taking office, President Mahama has consistently signaled a break from practices where international gatherings became avenues for patronage or excessive government spending. By insisting on a controlled delegation, the president appears determined to project discipline in governance while directing scarce resources toward domestic priorities.
The new approach also speaks to Ghana’s broader image on the international stage. In recent years, criticism has mounted across Africa over instances where large numbers of government officials attended summits and global conferences, often with overlapping or unclear roles.
By centralizing approval through the Chief of Staff, Ghana seeks to avoid duplication, improve coordination, and present a unified national position at UNGA 80. This directive will likely shape how Ghana engages with development partners and multilateral institutions during the Assembly.
While opportunities for networking at side events will be limited to the approved delegation, the government believes this sacrifice is necessary to demonstrate accountability at home.
Resetting Ghana
The decision comes at a time when President Mahama has framed “Resetting Ghana” as a call for disciplined governance, fiscal responsibility, and effective use of state resources. His administration has repeatedly argued that international representation must deliver value to citizens rather than drain the public purse.
In enforcing this directive, the government appears keen on sending a message that national interests must take precedence over personal or institutional interests.
The focus will now be on ensuring that the official delegation, once announced, represents the country’s strategic priorities, particularly in areas such as sustainable development, climate action, peace and security, and economic cooperation.
The government has assured that Ghana’s presence at the UNGA will remain substantive despite the tighter controls. Officials stress that the smaller delegation will still engage in high-level diplomacy and ensure that Ghana’s voice is heard on global platforms, but without the excesses that previously characterized such missions.
With strict compliance expected, attention now turns to the Chief of Staff’s office, which will play a central role in screening and authorizing participation. The new rules set a clear benchmark for accountability, with sanctions looming for any official who disregards them.
The directive marks a defining moment in President Mahama’s governance style. It reflects his bid to reset not only the economy but also the ethos of public service, where discipline, efficiency, and integrity guide the nation’s conduct both at home and abroad.
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