President John Dramani Mahama has directed that all official foreign trips by ministers and government appointees must be conducted modestly, prohibiting first-class travel as part of cost-cutting measures.
The directive was issued on Friday during the swearing-in ceremony of 17 newly appointed ministers, including eight regional ministers.
“I’ve asked the Chief of Staff to write to all government appointees that I have imposed a ban on non-essential travel forthwith to cut down expenditure,” President Mahama stated.
“Any travel that is deemed essential and necessary must be cleared first with the office of the Chief of Staff. As such, travels will have to be undertaken in modesty, no first class.”
He also urged ministers and appointees to avoid any display of affluence and extravagant lifestyles.
Acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, President Mahama emphasised that the government’s duty is to lift Ghanaians out of hardship, not worsen their situation.
“The people of Ghana are enduring difficult times occasioned by hardships resulting from the economic mismanagement of the last eight years; and ours is to work to lift them out of this hole, not to compound it further,” he declared.
He warned that arrogance and ostentation would not be tolerated in his administration and reminded officials that they are accountable to the citizens who entrusted them with power.
“The resources that you’ll be working with belong to the Ghanaian people who put us in office. Those resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance,” he stressed.
President Mahama also announced that on Monday, February 10, he would receive the report from the Operation Recover All the Loots (ORAL) Committee. The findings will determine the next steps against individuals who have harmed Ghana’s economic and financial interests through corruption.
“While it is all well and good to hold past office holders accountable for their actions, it is even better to prevent the incidence of corruption in the first place,” he stated.
“And as I’ve already indicated many times, I’ll be holding all my appointees in this government to the strictest standards of accountability to ensure that the mandate and resources entrusted to us by the people of Ghana go only into working for them and improving their standards of living.”
To reinforce ethical governance, the President revealed that, in line with his administration’s 120-day plan, a mandatory code of conduct and ethical standards for government officials would soon be introduced.
This code, he explained, will serve as a clear guideline on acceptable and unacceptable conduct in public office.
“You must make this code of conduct your guide and keep it like a Bible by your bedside before you take any action,” he advised.
“I made a solemn pledge in our Resetting Ghana manifesto to lead by example and to serve with dedication, selflessness, and deep love for the country. I intend to fully keep that pledge to the people of Ghana and my biblical instruction.”
The swearing-in of the 17 new ministers—comprising nine sector ministers and eight regional ministers—brings the total number of ministers in Mahama’s government to 42.
The newly appointed sector ministers include:
- Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo – Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment
- Mr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology
- Mr. Samuel Nartey George – Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation
- Mr. Iddie Adams – Minister of Sports and Recreation
- Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe – Minister of Transport
- Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh – Minister of Health
- Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa – Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu – Minister of State in charge of Government Communications
- Mr. Seidu Issifu – Minister of State in charge of Climate Change and Sustainability
The eight new regional ministers are:
- Mrs. Charity Gardiner – Ahafo Region
- Mr. Salisu Be-Awuribe Issifu – Savannah Region
- Mr. Wilbert Petty Brentwum – North West Region
- Mr. Joseph Nelson – Western Region
- Mr. Joseph Addai Akwaboa – Bono Region
- Mr. Francis Owusu Antwi – Bono East Region
- Mr. Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere – Central Region
- Mr. Puozuing Charles Lwanga – Upper West Region
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other senior government officials attended the swearing-in ceremony.
