Ghana president bans first class travel for public officials

President John Mahama of Ghana has banned public officials from first class air travel in the country.

He said this was done to cut wasteful spending.

The ban has come into effect as the country implements an International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid deal to revive state finances, the government said on Tuesday.

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 the media.

Finance Minister Seth Terkper told media on Tuesday that the cabinet was also discussing a financial accountability bill.

The schedule would impose penalties such as dismissal or jail term 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.