VIDEO: Government cuts costs: Only 56 ministers running Ghana – Ofosu Kwakye

The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has assured Parliament that the Mahama administration is committed to cutting down government expenditure, with a lean team of fewer than 60 ministers and an equally reduced number of presidential staffers.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Ofosu Kwakye defended the government's decision to cap ministerial appointments at 60, a significant reduction from the 123 to 125 ministers under the previous administration. 

He contrasted this with the 337 political appointees who worked under former President Akufo-Addo, arguing that President Mahama’s administration prioritises efficiency and cost-saving.

Mr Ofosu Kwakye highlighted the financial relief that comes with maintaining a smaller government, saying:

"If you move from 123/125 ministers to 60 ministers, Mr Speaker, that means that you are going to buy 60 less Land Cruisers. You are going to buy 60 less salon cars. You will need to provide 60 less bungalows. You will need to provide 60 less sets of political aides and research assistants and what have you."

He added that the actual number of ministers currently in office is even lower than the promised 60, stating:

"Mr Speaker, President Mahama has not limited himself to just reducing the number of ministers. In any event that I speak to you, there are only 56 ministers. And in fact, they are 42 ministers running Ghana as we speak, because deputy ministers have not been approved."

However, the debate in Parliament was met with criticism from the opposition, particularly from former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor.

While acknowledging that President Mahama has indeed appointed fewer than 60 ministers, Mr Jinapor claimed that the government has instead increased the number of presidential staffers at the Jubilee House, implying that the administration is still bloated despite the cut in ministerial appointments.

The back-and-forth in Parliament highlights the ongoing debate over government size and expenditure, as the Mahama administration seeks to balance governance efficiency with cost-cutting measures.