Ghana’s President John Mahama has made a significant move to reduce government spending by cutting the number of ministries in the country from 30 to 23.
This decision was made via an executive order, which was documented in a gazette dated January 9, just two days after Mahama’s inauguration.
Several ministries established during the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo have been dissolved, including:
- Ministries of Information: previously responsible for managing government information
- Sanitation and Water Resources: focused on providing clean water and sanitation services
- National Security: handled national security matters
- Railway Development: oversaw the development of Ghana’s railway system
- Parliamentary Affairs: managed the relationship between the government and parliament
- Public Enterprises: supervised state-owned enterprises
- Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs: handled matters related to traditional leaders and religious groups
In their place, Mahama has retained essential ministries such as Finance, Health, Interior, Defence, and Education. He has also created new ministries, including:
- Energy and Green Transition: focused on sustainable energy development
- Youth Development and Empowerment: aimed at empowering Ghana’s youth
- Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry: responsible for promoting trade and industry
- Sports and Recreation: oversees sports development
- Communication and Digital Technology: handles communication and digital technology matters
- Works, Housing and Water Resources: responsible for infrastructure development
- Gender, Children and Social Protection: focuses on social protection and gender equality
Mahama’s move is seen as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to run a lean and efficient government.
He defeated former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in the presidential election, securing 6,328,397 votes (56.55% of the total).
