Faith Nyasuguta
Ghana’s President John Mahama has imposed a ban on state-funded first-class travel for government officials, including cabinet ministers, in a move aimed at reducing government expenditure.
Mahama announced the decision on February 7 during the swearing-in of 17 new ministers at the presidential palace in Accra. He emphasized that public funds should not be wasted on luxury but rather be used to improve the lives of Ghanaians.
“I have asked the Chief of Staff to write to all government appointees that I have imposed a ban on non-essential travel forthwith to cut down on government expenditure,” the president stated.
Under the new directive, any official travel deemed essential must first be cleared by the Office of the Chief of Staff. Additionally, all government travel must be conducted in economy class, as first-class flights will no longer be funded by the state.
Mahama further warned government officials against extravagance and wasteful spending, stressing the need for responsible use of state resources.
“The resources that you will be working with belong to the Ghanaian people, who put us in office. Those resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance,” he said.
The president, who was sworn in for a second non-consecutive term on January 7, highlighted that his administration is committed to lifting Ghanaians out of economic hardship rather than worsening the situation through reckless spending.
Mahama also revealed that a special audit committee is currently reviewing the use of state resources by previous administrations. Once the report is submitted, “appropriate action will then be taken against those deemed to have acted against the economic and financial interests of Ghana through corruption and related acts,” he stated.
First-class flights, known for their luxury and privacy, are significantly more expensive than economy-class travel. On certain routes, first-class tickets can cost up to 70% more than economy fares.
Some of the premium benefits of first-class travel include:
-Spacious reclining seats and beds
-Complimentary food and drinks
-Wi-Fi access and privacy screens
-Exclusive airport lounges and priority boarding
Senior government officials have traditionally favored first-class travel due to comfort, exclusivity, and privacy. However, critics argue that such luxury comes at the expense of taxpayers, especially in a country facing economic challenges.
Mahama has vowed to hold all government officials accountable to ensure that public funds are used responsibly.
“I will hold you to the strictest standards of accountability to ensure that the mandate and resources entrusted to us by the people of Ghana go only into working for them and improving their standards of living,” he told his ministers.
With the swearing-in of the 17 new ministers, Ghana’s cabinet now consists of 42 ministers, including sector and regional ministers. The new cost-cutting measures are expected to ease financial pressure on the government and promote a culture of accountability in public service.
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