The Government has issued a strong directive limiting participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York to only those officially cleared by the Presidency.
The announcement, communicated through the Office of the President, follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent Cabinet decision to streamline international engagements in line with his “Resetting Ghana” priorities.
According to the directive, no Minister, Deputy Minister, Civil or Public Servant, Chief Executive of a State-Owned Enterprise, Political Appointee, or any government staff will be permitted to attend UNGA 80 or related 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; as well as invitations from development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector entities, or any other third parties,” the directive stated.
Government emphasised that only the official delegation, cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will represent Ghana at the global gathering.
Any pending or already accepted invitations are automatically suspended unless expressly reauthorised.
Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, explained the rationale in a statement to the media.
“The President has directed that Ghana’s participation at UNGA 80 must reflect coherence, discipline, and cost-effectiveness.
We cannot have scattered representations or duplications that do not serve the national interest. This is about ensuring a lean delegation that speaks with one voice for Ghana,” he said.
He further warned that breaches of the directive would attract consequences.
“Any official who flouts this directive will face strict sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu cautioned.
The government believes the move will save costs, avoid duplication, and reinforce a unified national representation on the global stage.
“This measure is not about exclusion, but about responsibility. Ghana must project one message, one position, and one coherent delegation to the world,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu added.
The 80th UNGA opens in September in New York, bringing together world leaders to deliberate on pressing global issues including climate change, peace and security, and sustainable development.
