Ghana’s President Bans Unauthorized Attendance at the 80th UN General Assembly.
By Princess C. Kossigba
The government of Ghana, through its President John Mahama, has issued a directive emphasizing that all government officials who wish to attend the UNGA must first secure prior approval from the Chief of Staff.
According to the directive, only the official government delegation, as cleared in writing by the Chief of Staff, will be authorized to travel and participate. Any pending or previously accepted invitations are suspended unless and until expressly re-authorized by the Chief of Staff.
Furthermore, the directive warns that any official who flouts this instruction will face strict sanctions in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Public Office Holders as well as the Civil and Public Service Codes of Conduct.
This was contained in a written communication signed on August 30, 2025, by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, following consultations with President Mahama after his recent cabinet pronouncement on international events and related travels. The communication outlined restrictions for this year’s General Assembly participation.
In line with the directive, no Minister, Deputy Minister, civil or public servant, CEO/MD of any state-owned enterprise, political appointee, or staff of government is permitted to accept an invitation to or attend the UNGA 80 or any related side meetings, panels, receptions, bilateral engagements, or third-party events without prior written approval from the Chief of Staff.
The document further explained that President Mahama highlighted the mandate also applies to invitations issued directly by the UN, its agencies, missions, partners, organizations, development partners, think tanks, NGOs, private sector entities, or any third parties.
