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 of 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.
