President Mahama Directs Immediate Halt to International Travel by Boards of State-Owned Enterprises

President Mahama Directs Immediate Halt to International Travel by Boards of State-Owned Enterprises

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive banning international travel by Boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other public institutions for training, retreats, conferences, study tours, or similar activities at the expense of the state, with immediate effect.

In an official circular dated March 5, 2026, signed by Secretary to the President Callistus Mahama, PhD, and addressed to all Ministers of State, the President expressed serious concern over the frequency, cost, and scale of such travels, which often involve multiple board members and extended itineraries.

The directive, issued from Jubilee House, states:

“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.”

While acknowledging the value of continuous learning, exposure to international best practices, and strengthening corporate governance, the President noted that these travels have resulted in significant expenditure on airfares, accommodation, per diems, and logistics, placing avoidable pressure on the public purse at a time when Government is implementing measures for fiscal discipline and efficient public financial management.

Key directives include:

•  Boards of SOEs and public institutions shall not undertake international travel for training, retreats, conferences, study tours, or similar activities funded directly or indirectly from public resources.

•  Where a Board considers international engagement absolutely necessary and cannot reasonably be achieved 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 express approval by His Excellency the President before any commitments or arrangements are made.

•  Any such exceptional request must be accompanied by a detailed justification outlining the purpose, expected outcomes, strategic relevance, number of participants, estimated total cost, and why the objectives cannot be achieved through local or virtual means.

•  Ministers are strongly encouraged to prioritise local training programmes, in-country retreats, partnerships with reputable local institutions, universities, professional bodies, and cost-effective alternatives for capacity development.

•  Where specialised training is required, institutions should explore virtual platforms, technical exchanges, and short-term expert engagements within Ghana rather than full Board delegations travelling abroad.

The President emphasised that governance is a continuum, and leadership’s ability to utilise scarce resources efficiently remains the heart of economic development.

Ministers are requested to bring this directive to the immediate attention of all Boards, Chief Executive Officers, and management teams under their supervision and ensure strict compliance.

The directive forms part of Government’s broader effort to strengthen expenditure controls, reduce non-essential public spending, and redirect national resources toward priority programmes, infrastructure development, and social interventions that directly benefit the Ghanaian people.

Source: Office of the President / Jubilee House Circular