The Ghanaian government has stopped board members and leaders of state-owned companies from traveling outside the country for work.
The new rule started immediately on March 5, 2026. It aims to help the government spend less money.
The President’s office said some officials were using public funds to go to many conferences, training programs, and study tours in other countries. This was costing the country too much money.
A statement from the government said that while learning from other countries is good, the high cost of these trips had become a problem. Many board members were traveling often, and the trips were long and expensive.
The government said this puts pressure on the country’s finances at a time when it is trying to control spending.
Under the new rules, boards cannot travel abroad for:
- Training programs
- Retreats
- Conferences
- Study tours
The government wants officials to use online meetings instead. It also wants them to work with local schools and training centers in Ghana to save money.
If a trip is very important and cannot be done online, the board must ask for permission first. They must write to the sector minister, who will then ask the President’s office.
The request must explain:
- Why the trip is needed
- What the trip hopes to achieve
- How many people will go
- How much it will cost
- Why it cannot be done in Ghana or online
About one year ago, the President had already stopped his appointees from flying first class. He said at the time that his government would be modest and respect the people of Ghana.
Lawyer Oliver Barker-Vormawor said the rule is good because small savings add up. He said too many politicians use public money for their own trips when they should be working at home.
But Franklin Cudjoe, who runs a policy group called Imani Africa, questioned if the ban will work. He said the government must punish those who break the rules.
The government says this is part of a bigger plan to spend wisely and use the country’s money for important things like building roads, schools, and helping people in need.
BY : Bright Aboagye