As part of actions to check government spending, President John Dramani Mahama has scrapped fuel allowances and fuel allocations to all political appointees, effective immediately.
The directive, announced on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, is part of a broader agenda by the Mahama administration to cut wasteful expenditure and channel limited public funds into priority areas that directly benefit the Ghanaian people.
A statement released by the Minister for Government Communications and Spokesperson at the Presidency, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, emphasized that the move is not just a cost-saving measure but a clear demonstration of leadership by example.
This means there will no longer be fuel freebies for government officials. The new policy affects all political appointees, sending a strong message that austerity starts from the top.
“President John Dramani has, effective immediately, directed the cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocations of fuel to all appointees. The directive forms part of a broader curb in government expenditure aimed at cutting costs and channelling public funds into priority areas,” the statement announced.
For decades, fuel allowances have been viewed as one of the quiet perks of political office, often criticized by ordinary citizens struggling with high transport fares and the rising cost of living.
This is not an isolated measure. It follows recent decisions by the President to reduce the size of government, including appointing fewer ministers and trimming down Presidential Office staff. Other austerity actions include cutting satellite TV subscriptions for government offices, including the Presidency.
At a time when many Ghanaians are making personal sacrifices due to economic pressure, this bold policy is likely to be welcomed by the public as a long-overdue step toward fairness and responsibility in government.
Fuel costs are a daily burden for the average Ghanaian, especially transport operators, traders, and public sector workers. The removal of fuel perks for appointees signals that both the political appointees and the ordinary Ghanaian will all feel the heat at the pumps.
President Mahama’s decision to cut fuel benefits for political appointees is not just about saving cedis and pesewas; it’s also about changing the culture of entitlement and restoring integrity in public office.
