Government Officials Prohibited from Attending UNGA 80 Events Without Chief of Staff Approval

The government of Ghana has issued a strong directive to political appointees, civil and public servants on participation in the upcoming United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings scheduled to take place in New York next month.

Any official who flouts this directive, according to the Chief of Staff, risks severe sanctions in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.

According to a statement signed by the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP) all invitations must be cleared in writing to the Chief of Staff for approval or otherwise.

“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 notice follows a directive issued in cabinet by President John Dramani Mahama on participation in international events and related travel.

It explained that only the official Government delegation, as cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be authorised to travel and participate in the UN General Assembly meetings.

“Subsequently all pending or previously accepted invitations have been suspended unless and until expressly re-authorised by the Chief of Staff” – the statement added.

The new measures according to the Spokesperson to the President, Mr Kwakye Ofosu is intended to ensure a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation that aligns with the president’s ‘Reseting Ghana’ priorities.