In a move aimed at reducing government expenditure, Ghanaian President John Mahama has officially trimmed the country’s ministries from 30 to 23. This executive order, which was published in a gazette dated January 9, comes two days after Mahama took office, marking a significant step in his efforts to streamline the government.
The decision to cut ministries eliminates several previously established departments under the administration of Nana Akufo-Addo. Among the scrapped ministries are Information, Sanitation and Water Resources, National Security, Railway Development, Parliamentary Affairs, Public Enterprises, and Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
Mahama’s new government structure retains essential ministries, including Finance, Health, Interior, Defence, Education, and Energy, as well as newly created ones such as Green Transition, Youth Development and Empowerment, and Digital Technology.
The move reflects Mahama’s commitment to reducing government spending and optimizing resources, a stance that contrasts with the decision of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who increased his country’s ministries to 48 in 2023.
Mahama’s reduction in ministries is expected to simplify governance and cut down on administrative costs, boosting the country’s fiscal discipline. The restructuring will also allow for more focused management of critical sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and tourism.
In the recent elections, Mahama won the presidency with 56.55% of the vote, defeating former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who garnered 41.6%. Bawumia conceded defeat before the official results were announced.
With his cost-cutting measures already in place, President Mahama’s new administration is focused on optimizing government operations and ensuring that Ghana’s resources are used efficiently to benefit its citizens.
