Ghana’s President John Mahama has prohibited state-funded first-class travel for government officials, including cabinet ministers, as part of cost-cutting measures.
The announcement was made on Friday, February 7, during the swearing-in ceremony of 17 new ministers at the presidential palace in Accra. President Mahama emphasized that non-essential travel must be curtailed to reduce government expenditure.
“I have instructed the chief of staff to inform all government appointees that a ban on non-essential travel is in effect. Any essential trips must be approved by the office of the chief of staff and must be conducted modestly—no first-class flights,” Mahama stated.
Curbing Extravagance and Misuse of Resources
The president urged officials to exercise fiscal responsibility, stressing that government resources should be used to address economic challenges rather than fund luxurious lifestyles.
“The resources entrusted to us by the people of Ghana must be used prudently to improve their lives, not wasted on opulence and extravagance,” he said.
Mahama also revealed that a special committee is auditing state resource usage under previous administrations. Based on the committee’s findings, necessary actions will be taken against those found guilty of misusing public funds.
Ensuring Accountability
He further underscored the need for accountability within his administration, vowing to hold officials to the highest standards to ensure government funds are directed towards national development.
Ghana now has a total of 42 ministers, comprising sector and regional heads, following the latest ministerial appointments.
First-class air travel is significantly more expensive than economy class, with costs sometimes reaching 70% higher. While it offers added luxury and privacy, the president’s move underscores a focus on practicality and financial prudence in governance.