The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has issued a press statement restricting international travel for State-Owned Enterprises and Public Institutions.
The statement, with the details provided below:
“It has come to the attention of the President that some Boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other public institutions have increasingly undertaken international travel for training programmes, retreats, conferences, and study tours.
- While Government recognises the importance of continuous learning, exposure to international best practices, and the strengthening of corporate governance within public institutions, the frequency and cost of such international travel—often involving multiple board members and extended itineraries—have raised serious concerns regarding the prudent management of public resources.
- In several instances, such travels have resulted in significant expenditure on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and associated logistics, placing avoidable pressure on the public purse at a time when Government is implementing firm measures to ensure fiscal discipline, efficient public financial management, and the responsible utilisation of national resources.
- In view of the foregoing, His Excellency the President has directed that the practice whereby Boards of State-Owned Enterprises and other public institutions undertake international travel for training, retreats, conferences, or similar activities at the expense of the State should cease with immediate effect.
- Accordingly, all Ministers responsible for supervising State-Owned Enterprises and other public institutions are directed to ensure the following:
a. Boards of SOEs and public institutions shall not undertake international travel for training, retreats, conferences, or study tours funded directly or indirectly from public resources.
b. Where a Board considers that an international engagement is absolutely necessary and cannot reasonably be undertaken locally or through virtual means, a formal request must be submitted through the sector Minister to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President for the express approval of His Excellency the President before any commitments or arrangements are made.
c. Any request for such exceptional approval must be accompanied by a detailed justification outlining:
- the purpose and expected outcomes of the travel;
- the strategic relevance of the engagement to the mandate of the institution;
- the number of participants proposed;
- the estimated total cost; and
- why the objectives cannot be achieved through local or virtual arrangements.
d. Ministries and their affiliated institutions are strongly encouraged to prioritise local training programmes, in-country retreats, and partnerships with reputable local institutions, universities, professional bodies, and training institutes as cost-effective alternatives for capacity development.
e. Where specialised training is required, institutions should also explore virtual platforms, technical exchanges, and short-term expert engagements within Ghana rather than resorting to international travel involving full Board delegations.
- Ministers are further requested to ensure that Boards focus their activities primarily on their core governance and oversight responsibilities and that all capacity-building initiatives are carefully assessed for value, necessity, and cost-effectiveness.
- This directive forms part of Government’s broader effort to strengthen expenditure controls, reduce non-essential public spending, and redirect scarce national resources toward priority programmes, infrastructure development, and social interventions that directly benefit the Ghanaian people.
- Honourable Ministers are kindly requested to bring this directive to the immediate attention of all Boards, Chief Executive Officers, and management teams of State-Owned Enterprises and public institutions under their supervision, and to ensure strict compliance.
- The cooperation of all Ministries in enforcing this directive is highly appreciated.
- Please accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic.”
The statement was signed by Callistus Mahama, the Secretary to the President.
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