The ban came into effect as the country implements an International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid deal to revive state finances, the government said yesterday, reported AFP.
The new reform also came as Ghana prepares to hold presidential and parliamentary elections next year and, with the opposition accusing government ministers of inflating contract sums, inappropriate spending is sure to be a top campaign issue.
Confirming the development, the Minister of Communication, Minister Edward Omane Boamah divulged to media that the presidency issued the directive this week asking all ministers and other top officials to avoid “unwarranted” foreign trips on the public purse.
Finance Minister Seth Terkper told the press on Tuesday, December 22, that the cabinet was also discussing a financial accountability bill.
The bill 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.
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