President John Dramani Mahama has imposed an immediate ban on international travel by boards of state-owned enterprises and public institutions for training programmes, conferences, retreats and study tours funded with public resources.

The directive, issued from the Jubilee House on March 5, was signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, and applies to all state-owned enterprises and public institutions across Ghana.

Government cites rising travel costs

According to the presidency, the decision follows growing concern about the increasing number of international trips undertaken by boards of public institutions and the rising cost of funding such travel.

“It has come to the attention of the President that some Boards of State-Owned Enterprises and other public institutions have increasingly undertaken international travel for training programmes, retreats, conferences, and study tours,” the directive stated.

While the government acknowledged the value of international exposure and professional development, it noted that the cumulative expenses associated with these trips, including airfares, accommodation, per diems and logistics, had become a major concern for the public purse.

Immediate and comprehensive ban

Under the new directive, boards are prohibited from undertaking any international travel funded directly or indirectly by public resources for training, retreats, conferences or study tours.

The ban takes effect immediately and applies to all institutions under government supervision.

Exceptions require presidential approval

The directive allows limited exceptions in cases where an international engagement is deemed absolutely necessary and cannot reasonably be conducted locally or virtually.

In such situations, a formal request must be submitted through the relevant sector minister to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President for the express approval of John Dramani Mahama.

Requests must include detailed justification outlining the purpose of the trip, expected outcomes, strategic relevance to the institution’s mandate, the number of participants involved, the estimated total cost and reasons why the objectives cannot be achieved through local or virtual alternatives.

Government pushes local alternatives

The presidency has also encouraged ministries and their affiliated institutions to prioritise local training programmes, in-country retreats and partnerships with Ghanaian universities, professional bodies and training institutions.

Where specialised expertise is required, institutions have been advised to explore virtual platforms, technical exchanges and short-term expert engagements within the country instead of organising international trips involving entire board delegations.

Part of broader spending controls

The directive forms part of a broader government effort to tighten expenditure controls and reduce non-essential public spending.

According to the presidency, the measure is intended to redirect limited national resources toward priority programmes, infrastructure development and social interventions that directly benefit citizens.

Ministers have been instructed to immediately communicate the directive to boards, chief executive officers and management teams of institutions under their supervision and ensure strict compliance.