The government has set clear directives regarding the country’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In a statement issued by the Office of the President, all government officials, including Ministers, Deputies, CEOs of state-owned enterprises, and political appointees, are prohibited from attending the UNGA or any related events without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.

The directive is in line with a recent Cabinet pronouncement by President John Dramani Mahama on international travel and participation in global events. The Chief of Staff emphasised that only those officially cleared by the government will be allowed to represent Ghana at the UNGA and its associated meetings, panels, receptions, and bilateral engagements.

Key aspects of the directive include:

Approval Requirement: All invitations—whether from the UN, partner organisations, development agencies, NGOs, think tanks, or private entities—must receive prior written approval from the Chief of Staff before acceptance.

Suspension of Pending Invitations: Any invitations already accepted or pending are suspended unless re-authorised by the Chief of Staff.

Request Procedure: Requests for participation must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President’s spokesperson, in the statement dated August 30 clarified that the new measure is aimed at ensuring a lean and cost-effective national representation at the UNGA, aligning with the President’s “Resetting Ghana” initiative.

He added that any official who flouts the directive will face penalties as outlined in the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders.

Sompaonline.com