Ghana’s President John Mahama has imposed a ban on first-class travel for all government appointees as part of efforts to cut down public expenditure amid the country’s economic difficulties.
Speaking at the swearing-in of new ministers at the Jubilee House on Friday, Mr. Mahama said all non-essential travel would be prohibited, while any necessary trips must first be cleared by the Chief of Staff.
Even for approved travel, officials will be required to fly in economy or business class, avoiding what he described as “traces of affluence and a lavish lifestyle”.
“The people of Ghana are enduring difficult times occasioned by hardships resulting from the economic mismanagement of the last eight years,” Mr. Mahama stated. “Resources are not to be wasted on opulence and extravagance.”
He further stressed that there would be no room for arrogance or pomposity in his administration.
