President John Dramani Mahama has asked boards of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and other public institutions to halt unauthorised international travel at the state’s expense immediately.
In an official directive issued on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and signed by Dr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President, the president ordered that international travel for training, retreats, conferences, or similar activities that are funded directly or indirectly from public resources must cease with immediate effect.
The statement highlighted that such travel has led to significant spending on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and logistics, placing avoidable pressure on government finances.
According to the directive, the government is implementing firm measures to promote fiscal discipline, efficient public financial management, and responsible use of national resources.
“In view of the foregoing, His Excellency the President has directed that the practice whereby Boards of State-Owned Enterprises and other public institutions undertake international travel for training, retreats, conferences, or similar activities at the expense of the State should cease with immediate effect,” the directive stated.
“Boards of SOEs and public institutions shall not undertake international travel for training, retreats, conferences, or study tours funded directly or indirectly from public resources,” it further specified.
Where a board deems an international engagement absolutely necessary and impossible to conduct locally or virtually, a formal request must be submitted through the sector minister to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President for the president’s express approval before any commitments are made.
Any such request must include a detailed justification, covering the purpose and expected outcomes, strategic relevance to the institution’s mandate, number of participants, estimated total cost, and reasons why local or virtual alternatives cannot achieve the objectives. While recognising the value of continuous learning and exposure to international best practices, the directive expressed concern over the frequency and costs of these trips—often involving multiple board members and extended itineraries—and their impact on prudent resource management.
The directive urged ministries and institutions to prioritise local training programs, in-country retreats, and partnerships with reputable local universities, professional bodies, and training institutes as cost-effective alternatives.
Where specialised training is required, institutions should explore virtual platforms and technical exchanges within Ghana rather than full board delegations travelling abroad.
Ministers are expected to ensure boards focus primarily on statutory oversight and governance, with any capacity-building initiatives rigorously assessed for value, necessity, and cost-effectiveness.
“This directive forms part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen expenditure controls, reduce non-essential public spending, and redirect scarce national resources toward priority programmes, infrastructure development, and social interventions that directly benefit the Ghanaian people,” the statement added.
Ministers were requested to immediately communicate the directive to all boards, chief executive officers, and management teams under their supervision and to enforce strict compliance.
