The government has introduced new spending controls after President John Dramani Mahama ordered a suspension of state-funded international travel for boards of public institutions.

The directive affects boards of state-owned enterprises and other government bodies that often travel abroad for conferences, training sessions, retreats, and study tours.

In a statement issued by the Office of the President, authorities said the decision was taken after noticing a rise in overseas trips organised by boards of public institutions. While the government recognises the value of learning from global best practices, it believes the growing cost of such trips is placing unnecessary pressure on public finances.

Many of these travels, according to the statement, involve several board members and require significant spending on airfare, accommodation, daily allowances, and other related expenses.

The government says such expenditure is difficult to justify at a time when the country is pursuing strict financial discipline and improved public financial management.

As part of the new policy, boards are no longer permitted to organise or attend international training programmes or similar activities if the costs are to be covered directly or indirectly by public funds.

The directive places responsibility on sector ministers to ensure that institutions under their supervision comply fully with the order.

However, the government has left room for rare exceptions. In cases where an international engagement is considered unavoidable, the institution must submit a formal proposal through its supervising minister to the Chief of Staff. Final approval must come directly from the President before any travel commitments are made.

The proposal must clearly state the purpose of the trip, its expected benefits to the institution, the number of participants involved, and the total estimated cost. It must also explain why the objectives cannot be achieved through local training or virtual meetings.

To reduce costs, ministries and agencies have been encouraged to invest more in local training programmes and collaborate with institutions within Ghana. Authorities say such partnerships with local universities and professional bodies can provide effective alternatives to expensive foreign trips.

Institutions are also being urged to use virtual platforms and remote training opportunities where possible.

Government officials say the move is aimed at cutting unnecessary spending and ensuring that limited national resources are directed toward programmes that directly benefit citizens.

The Presidency has asked all ministers to promptly communicate the directive to the boards and management of institutions under their control to guarantee immediate compliance.

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