The Office of the President has notified the public and all government officials that the Chief of Staff has issued a directive governing Ghana’s participation in the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and all related events in New York, in accordance with President John Dramani Mahama’s recent cabinet pronouncement on participation in international events and related travel.
According to this directive, no government employee, civil servant, CEO/MD of a state-owned enterprise, political appointee, or minister may accept an invitation to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) or any associated side meetings, panels, receptions, bilateral engagements, or third-party events without the Chief of Staff’s express, prior written consent.
This includes invitations from development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector organizations, or any third parties; invitations from the UN, its agencies, missions, or partner organizations; and any self-initiated participation, observer attendance, or attendance that is sponsored by outside parties, according to a statement released on Saturday, August 30 by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of Government Communications.
Only the official government delegation, as approved in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be permitted to travel and take part, the statement further stated.
The Chief of Staff must specifically reauthorize any invites that are pending or that have already been accepted.
Additionally, written requests for consideration must be sent to the Chief of Staff via the appropriate supervisory Minister.
“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.
“Strict compliance is expected,” it said.
The statement provided an explanation of the reasoning behind these orders, stating that they are meant to guarantee a lean, cohesive, and economical national representation that is in line with the president’s “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
Statement Below:
Source: newsthemegh.com