No more first-class travels for government appointees- says Ghana president
John Dramani Mahama, Ghana's opposition leader, during an interview in Accra, Ghana, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. Mahama plans to renegotiate the country's IMF program to reduce taxes and smooth loan repayments if he wins the upcoming elections. Photographer: Ernest Ankomah/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has declared an immediate ban on first-class travel for government appointees, declaring that his administration will be characterized by modesty and accountability.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of new ministers at the Jubilee House on Friday, Mahama assured his commitment to reducing government expenditure.
He disclosed that he had instructed the Chief of Staff to officially inform ministers and appointees of the travel restrictions, adding that all non-essential trips would be curtailed.
“Any travel that is deemed essential and necessary must be cleared first with the Office of the Chief of Staff, and such travels will have to be taken in modesty—no first class,” he affirmed.
The President further warned against arrogance and wastefulness within his administration, stressing that public resources belong to the Ghanaian people.
“The resources you will be working with belong to the Ghanaian people who put us in office,” he stated, cautioning against extravagance or luxury.
Mahama’s directive signals a firm stance on fiscal discipline and a broader effort to restore public trust in governance.
