The Office of the President has announced new measures governing Ghana’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and all associated events in New York.
According to a statement released by the Chief of Staff, the directive follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement on participation in international events and official travel.
Under the new rules, no Minister, Deputy Minister, Civil or Public Servant, Chief Executive of a State-Owned Enterprise, political appointee, or any government staff member may accept invitations to attend UNGA 80 or related activities without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.
The directive applies to all invitations — whether extended directly by the UN and its agencies, development partners, NGOs, think tanks, private entities, or any third parties. It also covers self-initiated participation, observer attendance, or events funded by external sources.
Only members of the official government delegation, as cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be authorised to travel and participate.
Pending or previously accepted invitations are suspended unless expressly re-authorised. Requests for consideration must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister.
The statement cautioned that any official who disregards this directive will face strict sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.
The Office of the President explained that the measure is aimed at ensuring a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation that reflects President Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” priorities.
