Chief of Staff issues directive governing Ghana’s participation in 80th UN General Assembly.
Chief of Staff issues directive governing Ghana’s participation in 80th UN General Assembly.
The Office of the President has informed the public and all government officials that, pursuant to President John Dramani Mahama’s recent cabinet pronouncement on participation in international events and related travel, the Chief of Staff has issued a directive governing Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and all associated events in New York.
In line with this directive, 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 or any related side meetings, panels, receptions, bilateral engagements, or third-party events without the express, prior written approval of the Chief of Staff.
This applies to invitations issued directly by the UN, its agencies, missions, or partner organisations; invitations from development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector entities, or any third parties; and any self-initiated participation, observer attendance, or attendance funded by external parties, a statement issued by Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, on Saturday, August 30 said.
The statement added that only the official government delegation, as cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be authorised to travel and participate. Any pending or previously accepted invitations are suspended unless and until expressly re-authorised by the Chief of Staff.
Also, requests for consideration must be submitted in writing through the relevant supervising Minister to the Chief of Staff.
“Any official who flouts this directive will face strict sanctions in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct,” the statement said.
Explaining the rationale for these directives, the statement said that this measure is intended to ensure a lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation that aligns with the president’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ priorities.
“Strict compliance is expected,” it said.
