The Office of the President has issued a directive restricting government officials from attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York without prior clearance from the Chief of Staff.
The move, announced in a statement signed by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, follows a Cabinet decision by President John Mahama aimed at ensuring lean and cost-effective representation under the “Resetting Ghana” agenda.
Per the directive, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises, political appointees, civil and public servants, and other government staff are barred from accepting invitations or participating in UNGA and related side events without written approval.
“This applies not only to official UN invitations but also to those from agencies, missions, development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector groups, or any third party,” the statement explained. “It also covers self-initiated participation, observer attendance, and trips funded by external sources.”
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly will officially open on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at the UN headquarters in New York City. The high-level General Debate, where world leaders including President Mahama are expected to address the Assembly, will begin on Tuesday, 23 September 2025. The programme will run until 23 September.
The directive further stated that only an official government delegation cleared by the Chief of Staff will represent Ghana, with all pending or previously accepted invitations suspended unless re-approved. Any requests must first be channelled through the relevant supervising Minister before reaching the Chief of Staff.
Officials who breach the directive, the statement cautioned, will face sanctions in line with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders and the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.
