Ghana’s President Reduces Ministries from 30 to 23

In a bold move to address government expenditure, Ghana’s President John Mahama has reduced the number of ministries in the country from 30 to 23.

The decision, which was enacted via executive order, was outlined in a gazette dated January 9, just two days after Mahama resumed office.

The streamlined structure eliminates seven ministries that existed under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Among those scrapped are the Ministries of Information, Sanitation and Water Resources, National Security, Railway Development, Parliamentary Affairs, Public Enterprises, and Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

Meanwhile, the new framework retains key ministries such as Finance, Health, Interior, Defence, Education, Energy and Green Transition, and Transport. Additional portfolios include Youth Development and Empowerment, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, and Labour, Jobs and Employment.

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Mahama’s restructuring is part of his efforts to optimize governance and curb unnecessary government expenses. Having previously served as Ghana’s president from 2012 to 2017, Mahama returned to office after defeating former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in a tightly contested election.

The Ghana Electoral Commission declared Mahama the winner with 6,328,397 votes (56.55%), while Bawumia secured 4,657,304 votes (41.6%). Before the official results were announced, Bawumia conceded defeat, paving the way for a smooth transition of power.

The cost-cutting measures in Ghana stand in sharp contrast to developments in Nigeria, where President Bola Tinubu expanded ministries from 44 to 48 in 2023. Tinubu’s decision has been met with criticism amid a worsening economic crisis in the country.

Mahama’s actions signal a deliberate approach to governance, focusing on efficiency and fiscal discipline, as Ghana seeks to navigate its economic challenges.