Ghana president bans first class travel for public officials

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.