The Government of President John Dramani Mahama has realised significant savings in public expenditure after reducing the number of ministers and political staff, this is according to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series, Kwakye Ofosu highlighted that trimming the size of government has cut down on costly entitlements to officials, including vehicles, housing, travel and allowances. He pointed out that these measures have resulted in substantial savings for the state.
“The government does not need to spend money on bungalows or pay 20% of the basic salaries of 60 people as allowances every month. You also do not have to pay salaries, travel costs, or fuel for these individuals. When they finish their service, there are no further obligations for these people. When you put all this together, the savings amount to tens of millions of Ghanaian cedis, just for ministers alone,” the minister said.
Kwakye Ofosu explained that under the previous administration, Ghana’s government had been significantly larger, with over 100 ministers and hundreds of political appointees, each entitled to official vehicles, state housing or rent allowances, fuel, travel entitlements and other perks.
The current administration has deliberately reduced the number of ministers and political staff as part of its broader strategy to curb wasteful spending and strengthen fiscal discipline. According to recent reporting, the Mahama government has capped ministerial appointments at around 60, down from more than 120 under the previous government. This translates to fewer official vehicles, accommodation and allowances paid by the state, easing pressure on the national budget.
Beyond reducing ministerial numbers, President Mahama’s government has implemented other cost‑cutting measures, including abolishing fuel allowances for political appointees and banning first‑class travel on official duties, further trimming public expenditure.
Government officials maintain that these reforms are essential to restoring confidence in public finance management, redirecting resources to priority sectors, and aligning with broader fiscal consolidation goals. Such trimming of the political payroll can free up funds for critical investments in infrastructure, health and education, especially at a time when the country seeks to stabilise its economy.
As the administration continues to streamline operations, officials stress that a leaner government structure not only reduces costs but also strengthens accountability, transparency and value for money in public administration.
