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Dr. Clement Apaak, a presidential staffer has said the new travel directives issued by the Chief of Staff is just a reminder to all government appointees on the need to help save government purse on ‘unnecessary’ expenditure.

“It does not mean that the current system is being abused…it is just a reminder for us to be circumspect and that at least we get clearance. That is the law; that is the policy,” he said on GBC Radio

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah in a letter dated Novemebr 16, directed all Ministers who embark on official foreign travels on first class tickets to stop with immediate effect.

The letter also asked all Ministers to cut down on foreign travels in a bid to curtail government spending.

According to the Chief of Staff, “it is needless to emphasise the serious impact the current frequent travels abroad by Ministers and Public officials are having on government finances.”

Nonetheless, Dr. Apaak explained that all government appointees report to the Chief of Staff therefore, when he issues a directive, “what it means is that if he does not approve a request to travel, then perhaps it does not meet the standard that has been set.”

He called on government appointees expressing discomfort that the new directive could unduly increase the powers of the Chief of Staff to “accept it in good faith because it is well intended.”

Adding that - “The Chief of staff is the central engine in as far as government is concerned and he is the foremost representative of the President and the Vice President. Let’s leave it that way and see how it unfolds.”