Ghana Restricts Participation in 80th UN General Assembly to Cut Costs and Streamline Representation

In a move aimed at promoting fiscal responsibility and strategic national representation, the Office of the President has issued a directive limiting Ghana’s participation in the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. This directive aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement on curbing international travel by public officials.
According to an official statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President all government officials are now required to obtain express written approval from the Chief of Staff before participating in any UNGA-related event. This includes attendance at side meetings, panel discussions, receptions, bilateral engagements and other third-party events connected to UNGA 80.
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 meetings, panels, receptions, bilateral engagements or third-party events without the express, prior written approval of the Chief of Staff, the statement read.
The directive further states that only members of the official government delegation specifically cleared by the Chief of Staff in writing will be authorized to attend. Any pending or previously accepted invitations have also been suspended until further notice.
The Office of the President warned that any official who violates this directive will face strict disciplinary measures. Such actions will be enforced in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.
Explaining the rationale behind the directive, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that the move is part of the government’s broader effort to achieve a lean, coherent and cost-effective national representation at international engagements.
He emphasized that the directive supports President Mahama’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ agenda, which aims to streamline government operations, reduce unnecessary expenditure and refocus national efforts on domestic priorities.
The 80th UN General Assembly is expected to attract global leaders, policymakers and civil society actors to New York in September. With this new directive Ghana joins a growing list of nations opting for more prudent and strategic representation at international forums.