In a renewed effort to cut wasteful spending,Ghana’s President John Mahama has banned public officials from first
class air travel. The government said on Tuesday that the ban has come into effect as the
country implements an IMF aid deal to revive state finances. The presidency issued the directive this week asking all ministers
and other top officials to avoid “unwarranted” foreign trips on the
public purse, Communications Minister Edward Omane Boamah told media.
Finance Minister Seth Terkper told Reuters on
Tuesday the cabinet is also discussing a financial accountability bill
which would impose penalties such as dismissal or jail time for public
officials who are found to violate it.
The schedule would impose penalties such as dismissal or jail time for public officials who are found to violate it.
“It is expected to be clear enough to enable the general public to
see malfeasance if there is any and hold the agency involved
accountable,” he added.