President John Mahama has taken a bold step to reduce public spending by cutting the number of government ministries in Ghana. This measure is part of a broader austerity program supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The announcement, published in an official gazette dated January 9, revealed that seven ministries have been scrapped, bringing the total from 30 down to 23.
This restructuring is in line with Mahama’s promise to make the government leaner and more efficient.
The remaining ministries include key sectors such as finance, health, interior, defence, education, energy and green transition, roads and highways, and transport.
A statement from the president’s office confirmed the decision, underscoring the administration’s commitment to reducing costs while ensuring effective governance.
President Mahama returned to office after a heated election against former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia.
Winning 56.55% of the vote, Mahama secured victory in what observers called a highly competitive race. Bawumia, who conceded before the final tally, received 41.6% of the vote.
This cost-cutting move sets Mahama apart from leaders like Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who expanded his cabinet to 48 ministries in 2023, up from 44 under his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.
