President Mahama scraps fuel allowance for appointees
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate cancellation of fuel allowance and fuel allocations for all political appointees as part of stringent measures to reduce government expenditure.
The move is aimed at cutting costs and redirecting public funds to priority areas of national development.
The Presidency indicated that leadership must lead by example in making sacrifices, especially as the government called on citizens to endure economic challenges.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Spokesperson to the President and Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the decision aligned with broader efforts to streamline governance and foster fiscal discipline.
Cost-saving
This latest directive follows earlier austerity measures, including a reduction in the number of ministers and presidential staff, as well as the discontinuation of satellite TV subscriptions for offices at the Presidency and other government facilities.
President Mahama’s administration has consistently stressed the need for prudent financial management amid global and domestic economic pressures.
According to the minister, the scrapping of fuel benefits for appointees was expected to save millions of cedis annually, which would be re-allocated to critical sectors such as education, health care and infrastructure.
This is not the first time the Mahama administration has implemented cost-saving measures.
Since assuming office, the government has pursued policies aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in public expenditure.
Mr Ofosu stated that the latest decision was expected to reinforce public confidence in the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Public Reaction
While some have lauded the move, describing it as a step in the right direction, some political actors have called for further cuts in government spending, including a review of other perks for public officeholders.
The Member of Parliament for Akuapim North, Sammy Awuku, in an interview with the media in Parliament yesterday, called for the closure of fuel depots at the Osu Castle and the Jubilee House to give credence to the directive of the President.
The President’s directive takes immediate effect, with all ministries and government agencies instructed to comply without delay.
Other measures
Although the cancellation of fuel allowance for political appointees may not cumulatively impact government expenditure significantly, political watchers view it as a public appeal measure to get the average citizen to appreciate the willingness of the political class to also sacrifice for the good of the country.
Indeed, just 12 days ago, the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, announced that state agencies would be required to run on prepaid electricity meters to enhance efficiency and reduce technical and commercial losses in the electricity distribution chain.
President Mahama had earlier barred his appointees from travelling on Business Class on any foreign trip, while all such trips were required to be approved through a stringent system.
