President John Dramani Mahama has imposed an immediate ban on international travel by boards of state-owned enterprises and public institutions for training, conferences, retreats and study tours funded with public funds, citing growing concern about the rising cost of such trips.
The directive, issued from the Jubilee House on March 5 and signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, follows what the presidency described as an increasing pattern of overseas travel by board members that has placed significant pressure on the public purse. The order applies to all state-owned enterprises and public institutions and immediately halts the practice.
“It has come to the attention of the President that some Boards of State-Owned Enterprises and other public institutions have increasingly undertaken international travel for training programmes, retreats, conferences, and study tours,” the directive stated.
While recognising the value of exposure to international best practices and professional development, the government expressed concern about the cumulative cost of these trips, which often involve multiple board members and extended travel schedules. According to the presidency, spending on airfares, accommodation, per diems and other logistics had become increasingly difficult to justify at a time when stricter fiscal discipline is being pursued.
Under the directive, boards are barred from undertaking any international travel for training, retreats, conferences or study tours funded directly or indirectly with public resources.
However, the policy allows for exceptional cases where an international engagement is deemed absolutely necessary and cannot reasonably be conducted locally or virtually. In such circumstances, a formal request must be submitted through the relevant sector minister to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President for the President’s explicit approval before any arrangements are made.
Requests for such approval must include detailed justification, including the purpose and expected outcomes of the trip, its strategic relevance to the institution’s mandate, the number of participants, the estimated total cost, and an explanation of why the objectives cannot be achieved through local or virtual alternatives.
The directive also encourages ministries and affiliated institutions to prioritise local training programmes, in-country retreats and partnerships with reputable Ghanaian institutions, universities and professional bodies as more cost-effective options for capacity building. Where specialised expertise is required, institutions have been advised to explore virtual engagements, technical exchanges or short-term expert support within Ghana rather than overseas travel involving entire boards.
Ministers have further been directed to ensure that boards focus primarily on their statutory governance and oversight roles, and that any training or capacity-building initiatives are assessed carefully for value, necessity and cost-effectiveness.
The presidency said the move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen expenditure controls, curb non-essential public spending and redirect limited national resources toward priority programmes, infrastructure development and social interventions that directly benefit citizens.
All ministers have been asked to immediately inform boards, chief executive officers and management teams of state-owned enterprises and public institutions under their supervision and ensure strict compliance with the directive.
The statement concluded with formal assurances conveyed on behalf of the President.
