The Government of Ghana has announced stringent new restrictions on official participation in the upcoming 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) scheduled to take place in New York.
In a directive issued by the Chief of Staff and communicated through the Office of the President, no government official or public servant may attend the Assembly or any related engagements without prior written approval.
The directive, signed by Minister and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, comes in the wake of President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet pronouncement aimed at streamlining international travel by government officials.
According to the statement, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Civil and Public Servants, CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises, Political Appointees, and all other government staff are barred from attending UNGA-related events—whether in-person or virtually—without explicit clearance.
This includes side meetings, panel discussions, bilateral engagements, receptions, and even events funded by third parties such as NGOs or development partners.
“All previously accepted invitations are hereby suspended,” the statement reads. “Only those included in the official government delegation, as approved in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be permitted to participate.”
Officials seeking to be part of Ghana’s UNGA presence must route their requests through their supervising minister for consideration.
Any breach of this directive will result in strict sanctions under the relevant codes of conduct for public office holders and the civil service.
This move, the Presidency says, is in line with the President’s broader “Resetting Ghana” agenda, aimed at promoting fiscal discipline, reducing government expenditure, and improving coordination in foreign engagements.
The decision is already sparking conversation within policy and diplomatic circles, with some praising the move as a necessary check on excesses, while others raise concerns about potential missed diplomatic opportunities.
The 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly is expected to open in New York in September, drawing heads of state, diplomats, and global policy leaders from around the world.
Ghana’s final delegation is expected to be announced in the coming days.
