President John Dramani Mahama has officially reduced the number of government ministries from 30 to 23, delivering on a key campaign promise aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing government expenditure.
The decision, announced through an Executive Instrument on January 9, 2025, is part of a broader strategy to reconfigure the governance structure and improve public service delivery.
The move marks a significant shift in the administration’s approach to governance. By streamlining ministries, President Mahama seeks to foster a results-oriented administration while addressing concerns about the size and cost of government operations. The reduction aligns with Mahama’s commitment during his election campaign to minimize government bureaucracy, promoting accountability and cost-effectiveness.
In his campaign, President Mahama emphasized the importance of maintaining a lean government, stating that it was vital to ensure more efficient decision-making and resource allocation. He pledged to govern with a reduced number of ministries, envisioning a streamlined government structure that would serve the public more effectively.
The reduction of ministries is enabled by the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327), which grants the President the authority to make adjustments to the structure of government ministries and agencies as necessary. By invoking section 11(3) of the Act, Mahama exercised his constitutional powers to implement these changes, underscoring his administration’s dedication to reforming the public sector.
The consolidation of ministries is expected to enhance inter-agency collaboration, reduce administrative redundancies, and optimize the allocation of resources. While specific details about the merged ministries are yet to be disclosed, the restructuring reflects a deliberate effort to prioritize efficiency over expansion. This decision also demonstrates President Mahama’s commitment to addressing public concerns about government expenditure and ensuring that the nation’s resources are utilized effectively.
This bold step aligns with global trends, where governments increasingly seek to optimize their structures for improved service delivery and fiscal discipline. By reducing the number of ministries, Ghana positions itself to adopt a governance model that prioritizes outcomes and accountability over bureaucratic excess.
Observers have noted that this decision is likely to be met with mixed reactions. On one hand, it underscores the government’s commitment to reform and efficiency. On the other, it poses significant challenges for civil servants and political appointees whose roles may be affected by the restructuring. Nonetheless, the government has assured the public that these changes are in the nation’s best interest and will ultimately lead to a more effective public service.
President Mahama’s reduction of ministries reflects his broader vision for governance. By prioritizing accountability, cost-efficiency, and streamlined decision-making, he aims to set a new standard for public administration in Ghana. This initiative is not only a fulfillment of his campaign promise but also a strategic move to align government operations with the needs and expectations of citizens.
The reduction of ministries also comes at a time when public discourse has increasingly focused on the cost of governance. Many Ghanaians have called for a more efficient government that minimizes waste and delivers tangible benefits to the populace. President Mahama’s decision responds to these concerns, signaling his administration’s commitment to addressing public expectations for a leaner, more effective government.
The use of an Executive Instrument to implement these changes reflects the urgency and importance of the initiative. It also highlights the President’s reliance on constitutional provisions to effect meaningful reforms. By invoking the Civil Service Act, Mahama underscores the legal framework that enables such transformative changes while ensuring that the process adheres to established procedures.
The consolidation of ministries is expected to yield several benefits. Beyond reducing costs, it aims to enhance the coherence of government operations, improve policy coordination, and foster a culture of results-oriented service delivery. These outcomes are critical for achieving the administration’s broader objectives, which include economic growth, social development, and improved governance.
In reducing the number of ministries, the Mahama administration seeks to demonstrate its commitment to prudent resource management and effective public service delivery. The decision also sends a strong signal to both domestic and international stakeholders about Ghana’s determination to adopt governance practices that align with global standards.
This initiative is likely to be closely monitored by citizens, civil society organizations, and development partners. Its success will depend on the government’s ability to implement the changes smoothly while maintaining the quality of public services. Additionally, the administration will need to address any challenges that arise during the transition, including potential disruptions to ongoing programs and the reallocation of personnel and resources.
President Mahama’s decision to reduce the number of ministries to 23 is a bold step toward achieving his vision of a lean, efficient, and accountable government. By prioritizing reform and efficiency, he has set a clear direction for his administration, reinforcing his commitment to delivering on campaign promises and addressing the needs of the Ghanaian people.
This restructuring represents a pivotal moment in Ghana’s governance landscape. It reflects the administration’s determination to create a government that is not only responsive to the needs of its citizens but also capable of driving meaningful change. As the nation adapts to this new governance model, the focus will remain on ensuring that these changes translate into tangible benefits for all Ghanaians.
The reduction of ministries serves as a reminder of the importance of aligning governance structures with the goals of efficiency, accountability, and results-oriented service delivery.
By taking this step, President Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to creating a government that truly serves the people and meets their expectations for effective leadership.
