Mahama Reaffirms First-Class Travel Ban for Ministers and Public Officers
President cites real-life flight experience to underscore government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and cost-saving measures
- President Mahama says the ban on first-class travel for ministers and public officers is still fully in force
- He cited a personal flight experience where government officials were restricted to business class as evidence of enforcement
- The policy, he said, reflects his administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent use of public funds
President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated that the prohibition on first-class travel for government appointees remains fully enforced under his administration.
Addressing participants at the 77th Annual New Year School at the University of Ghana, Legon, on Tuesday, January 6, the President recounted a personal encounter during a flight that highlighted the policy’s strict implementation.
According to him, a fellow passenger was surprised to find himself alone in the first-class cabin and questioned airline staff about the absence of other passengers. The response, President Mahama explained, was clear: ministers and public officers of Ghana are barred from travelling first class by presidential directive.
He noted that, upon further observation, several government officials and chief executives were seated in business class, confirming that the directive remains in force.
President Mahama said the policy reflects his government’s ongoing commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent use of public resources, stressing that cost-saving measures will continue to shape official travel decisions.
