President John Dramani Mahama has directed that boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other public institutions immediately cease undertaking international travels for training programmes, retreats, conferences, and study tours at the expense of the state.

The directive, issued on March 5, 2026, forms part of government’s efforts to strengthen expenditure controls and ensure prudent management of public resources.

In a circular signed by the Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, and addressed to all public officials, the presidency noted that it had observed an increasing trend of international travels by boards of public institutions.

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

According to the Office of the President, although government recognises the importance of exposure to global best practices and continuous learning, the growing frequency and cost of such trips have raised serious concerns.

“While Government recognises the importance of continuous learning, exposure to international best practices, and the strengthening of corporate governance within public institutions, the frequency and cost of such international travel, often involving multiple board members and extended itineraries, have raised serious concerns regarding the prudent management of public resources,” the directive stated.

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The presidency explained that these trips have in many cases resulted in substantial expenditure on airfares, accommodation, per diems and other logistics, placing unnecessary pressure on the national purse.

“In several instances, such travels have resulted in significant expenditure on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and associated logistics, placing avoidable pressure on the public purse at a time when Government is implementing firm measures to ensure fiscal discipline,” it added.

As a result, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that such travels cease with immediate effect unless exceptional approval is granted.

“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 circular said.

The circular added that under the new directive, boards of SOEs and public institutions are not permitted to embark on international travel funded directly or indirectly with public resources.

However, where an international engagement is considered absolutely necessary and cannot be undertaken locally or virtually, the institution must submit a formal request through the relevant sector minister to the Chief of Staff at the Office of the President for the president’s approval before any arrangements are made.

It added that such requests must include detailed justification outlining the purpose and expected outcomes of the trip, the strategic relevance of the engagement to the institution’s mandate, the number of participants proposed, the estimated total cost, and reasons the objectives cannot be achieved through local or virtual arrangements.

The directive also encourages ministries and public institutions to prioritise local training programmes and partnerships with Ghanaian universities, professional bodies and training institutes as more cost-effective alternatives for capacity development.

“Ministries and their affiliated institutions are strongly encouraged to prioritise local training programmes, in-country retreats, and partnerships with reputable local institutions, universities, professional bodies, and training institutes as cost-effective alternatives for capacity development,” the statement noted.

It further urged institutions requiring specialised training to explore virtual platforms, technical exchanges, and short-term expert engagements within Ghana instead of resorting to international travel involving full board delegations.

According to the presidency, the measure is part of a broader effort by government to reduce non-essential public spending and redirect limited national resources toward priority programmes and infrastructure development that directly benefit the Ghanaian people.

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Ministers have therefore been instructed to ensure that the directive is brought to the immediate attention of all boards, chief executive officers and management teams of SOEs and public institutions under their supervision for strict compliance.

Read the statement below:





MAG/VPO