IT IS A CRIME FOR GOVT OFFICIALS TO TRAVEL WITH FIRST CLASS FLIGHT- GHANIAN PRESIDENT

As Ghana is preparing to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in 2016, and, with the opposition pointing accusing fingers at the ministers for inflating contract sums, inappropriate spending will be a big campaign issue, therefore,Ghana’s President John Mahama banned public officials from first class air travel so as to cut wasteful spending.


The directive was issued this week by  the presidency who announced to the newsmen by the Communications Minister Edward Omane Boamah.

The ban has come into effect as the country implements an IMF aid deal to revive state finances, the government said on Tuesday. A dismissal or jail term would be imposed as penalties for public officials who defy the order.

“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,”the minister said.

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

Being a major producer of cocoa, gold and oil, Ghana, began a three-year program with the International Monetary Fund in April to have its economy ,which has been dogged by high deficits a widening public debt and unstable local currency, fixed.