The government has issued a strict directive to all Ministers of State, reminding them that no major policy, programme, or initiative should be publicly announced without prior approval from Cabinet.
The directive, dated October 27 and signed by the Secretary to Cabinet, Prof. Kwaku Danso-Boafo, cautions against the growing trend of ministers making public policy announcements “purportedly on behalf of government” before those proposals are reviewed and approved by Cabinet.
According to the circular, such actions violate constitutional procedures and undermine the principle of collective Cabinet responsibility, which requires that all key government decisions be made through consensus at the Cabinet level.
“No public policy, programme, or major initiative shall be considered a policy of government unless it has been duly submitted to, deliberated upon, and approved by Cabinet,” the directive emphasized.
Ministers have therefore been instructed to channel all proposed policies, programmes, and legislative initiatives through the Chief Directors of their respective ministries to the Cabinet Secretariat for inclusion on the Cabinet agenda.
This process, the statement explained, is meant to ensure that all government decisions are properly scrutinized, consistent with national priorities, and reflect a unified government position before being made public.
The Cabinet Secretary further noted that the directive seeks to uphold policy coherence and protect the integrity of government communication.
Ministers have been warned to refrain from announcing or implementing any initiative that has not received Cabinet approval, as any such statement will not be recognized as official government policy.
“Please be guided accordingly,” the circular concluded.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem