The Office of the President has issued a directive restricting Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to a select government delegation cleared by the Chief of Staff.
According to the directive, no minister, deputy minister, civil or public servant, head of a state-owned enterprise, political appointee, or government staff will be permitted to attend UNGA 80 or related side events without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.
The restriction covers invitations from the UN and its agencies, foreign missions, development partners, non-governmental organizations, think tanks, private entities, or any other third parties. It also applies to self-initiated participation, observer attendance, or engagements funded by external sources.
“All pending or previously accepted invitations are suspended unless and until expressly re-authorized by the Chief of Staff,” the statement emphasized.
Government officials seeking clearance must submit requests in writing through their supervising ministers. The directive warns that any official who defies the order 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 designed to ensure lean, coherent, and cost-effective national representation at the UNGA, consistent with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Ghana” priorities.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
