In a bid to reduce government expenditure, Ghana’s President John Mahama has announced a ban on state-funded first-class travel for government officials, including cabinet ministers. The directive, aimed at promoting fiscal responsibility, was unveiled on Friday, February 7, during the swearing-in ceremony of 17 new ministers at the presidential palace in Accra.
President Mahama stated that only essential travel will be permitted, and any such trips must first be approved by the office of the chief of staff. “I have imposed a ban on non-essential travel forthwith to cut down on government expenditure. Any travel deemed essential must be undertaken in modesty—no first-class,” Mahama said, highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing unnecessary costs.
The president emphasized the need for officials to avoid any extravagant displays and to use public resources judiciously. “The resources you will be working with belong to the Ghanaian people. Those resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance,” Mahama added, underscoring the need for government funds to directly benefit the citizens of Ghana.
In addition to the ban on first-class travel, Mahama revealed that an ongoing audit of the use of state resources by officials in previous administrations was nearing completion. The audit, once finalized, will lead to the identification of any individuals responsible for misappropriating public funds, with appropriate action to be taken against them.
Following the swearing-in of the 17 new ministers, Ghana’s cabinet now comprises 42 ministers. This move by the president to ban first-class travel is seen as a step toward addressing the country’s economic challenges, signaling a commitment to responsible spending and ensuring that government funds are used effectively for the benefit of Ghanaians.
First-class travel, which is often chosen by high-ranking officials for its comfort and privacy, comes at a significant cost, sometimes up to 70% more than economy class. By restricting this luxury, the president aims to direct public resources toward the nation’s most pressing needs rather than on lavish privileges.
As Ghana continues to face economic difficulties, this bold initiative marks a critical moment in the country’s efforts to demonstrate accountability and transparency within government operations. The move also sets a precedent for the prioritization of public well-being over the indulgence of a few.
