The government has issued a directive restricting attendance at the 80th United Nations General Assembly and all related events in New York to only officially approved delegates.
The Chief of Staff issued the directive following President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement on participation in international events and related travel.
According to the directive, no Minister, Deputy Minister, Civil or Public Servant, CEO or Managing Director of a State-Owned Enterprise, Political Appointee, or any government staff may accept invitations to or attend UNGA 80 or any related events without express, prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.
The restriction applies to invitations issued directly by the UN, its agencies, missions, or partner organizations. It also covers invitations from development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector entities, or any third parties, as well as any self-initiated participation, observer attendance, or attendance funded by external parties.
The directive states that only the official government delegation, as cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be authorized to travel and participate. Any pending or previously accepted invitations are suspended unless expressly re-authorized by the Chief of Staff.
Officials wanting to attend must submit requests in writing through their relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff.
Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said any official who violates this directive will face strict sanctions according to the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.
The measure is intended to ensure a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation that aligns with the president’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ priorities.
The government said strict compliance is expected from all officials and appointees.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
