President John Mahama and his band of merry men, whom only countryman Songo can accurately describe for us- have decided that maybe the ‘sika diee’ is too much, and it is time to make some public commitments to curbing it.

Except, even on that; the President cannot make a proper gesture. The difference between first class and business class, on the airlines that actually separate those two- is so small as to be negligible.

If any real commitment was being made, economy would be the class for them. It is the least we can expect for the indiscriminate chopping of our money, and would actually make a difference in spending- since economy tickets are significantly cheaper than the other two.

The President, John Mahama, has directed ministers on international assignments to cease flying first class. The President also called on all non-essential foreign trips to be curtailed immediately.

The rationale is to halt the profligate spending of government. The directive was contained in a letter signed by the Chief of Staff.

The statement reads…

You may refer to letter number OPGA 56 of 26th October 2015 addressed to all Ministers by the Secretary to the cabinet on the above-stated subject [foreign travels].

It is needless to emphasise the serious impact the current frequent travels abroad by Ministers and public officials are having on Government finances.

To arrest the situation, all Ministers are reminded to restrict foreign travels in their sectors to mandatory international assignments only.

All non-essential travels are to be stopped. Hon. Ministers are also entreated to travel by Business Class and not first class, as stated in the letter.