The government has issued strict directives on Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
According to a statement from the Office of the President, no government official—including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs of state institutions, and political appointees—may attend the UNGA or any related engagements without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.
The directive follows a recent Cabinet decision announced by President John Dramani Mahama on foreign travel and participation in international events.
The Chief of Staff stressed that only those formally cleared by the government will be permitted to represent Ghana at the UNGA, including its side meetings, panels, receptions, and bilateral discussions.
Key provisions of the directive are as follows:
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Approval Requirement: All invitations—whether from the UN, development partners, NGOs, think tanks, or private organisations—must first receive written clearance from the Chief of Staff before being accepted.
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Suspension of Pending Invitations: Invitations already accepted or awaiting response are considered void unless re-authorised by the Chief of Staff.
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Submission Process: Requests to attend must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff.
In the statement dated August 30, presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu explained that the measure is designed to ensure a lean and cost-effective national presence at the UNGA, consistent with the President’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
He further warned that any official who disregards the directive will be sanctioned in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders.
