The government has issued a strong reminder to all Ministers of State that no major policy, programme, or initiative should be publicly announced without prior Cabinet approval.
The directive, contained in a circular dated October 27 and signed by the Secretary to Cabinet, Prof. Kwaku Danso-Boafo, follows what government described as a worrying trend of some ministers announcing initiatives “purportedly on behalf of government” before they have been formally discussed or approved.
According to the circular, such conduct violates constitutional protocols and undermines the principle of collective responsibility, which ensures that all major policy decisions reflect consensus at the Cabinet level.
“Cabinet wishes to remind all Ministers that, in accordance with established governance protocols and the collective responsibility principle enshrined in the Constitution, 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 statement read.
The notice further directed Ministers to submit all proposed policies, programmes, and legislative initiatives through their Chief Directors to the Cabinet Secretariat for consideration.
Government said the measure aims to ensure all decisions are properly vetted, aligned with national priorities, and formally approved before any public communication.
Full statement below:
ADHERENCE TO CABINET PROCEDURES IN THE
FORMULATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC POLICIES
The attention of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary has been drawn to the growing practice where some Ministers of State have publicly announced, or caused to be announced, major policy initiatives and programmes purportedly on behalf of the Government without prior discussion, review, or approval by Cabinet.
- Cabinet wishes to remind all Ministers that, in accordance with established governance protocols and the collective responsibility principle enshrined in the Constitution, 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.
- For the avoidance of doubt, Ministers are respectfully requested to ensure that all proposed policies, programmes, or legislative initiatives intended for public announcement or implementation are first submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat, through the Chief Director of their respective Ministries, for inclusion on the Cabinet agenda and subsequent consideration by Cabinet.
- This directive is intended to safeguard policy coherence, uphold collective Cabinet responsibility, and ensure that all Government communications and actions reflect the unified and approved position of the Administration.
- Ministers are therefore advised to refrain from announcing or implementing any policy that has not received Cabinet approval. Any such public statement or initiative undertaken outside this process shall not be deemed to represent official Government policy.
- Please be guided accordingly.
Source: AdomOnline
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