By: Joel Eshun
The debate on the ideal number of Ministers needed to run the country has gone on for years but in recent times, many have argued that a small country like Ghana shouldn’t have more than 50 Ministers.
President Akufo-Addo as an opposition leader then, agreed with this school of thought as he criticized President John Mahama of operating a large government and urged him to reduce the number of Ministers to save cost.
President John Dramani Mahama at the time had 84 Ministers including deputies.
However, President Akufo-Addo who many had thought will stand by his words to run a small government rather took a decision in his first term which shocked many to the core.
President Akufo-Addo in 2017 became the first head of state in the 4th Republic to have more than a hundred (100) ministers serve in his government.
He beat his predecessor, John Mahama, by 26 appointees and the explanation that was given was that the mess created by the NDC was so big that they needed 110 Ministers to rescue Ghana’s economy.
Just like he had been criticized, John Mahama returned the favor as he called out Akufo-Addo on several occasions for being an incompetent hypocrite who cannot stay true to his word.
The president in his second term reduced the number of Ministers but was still higher than that of his predecessor.
Cutting down the size of government has become a reoccurring subject and the comments from some flag bearers ahead of the 2024 elections seem to suggest they believe in the public’s call for a smaller government.
Two people from the Akufo-Addo government, Vice president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and former Trade and Industries Minister Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten have all made commitments to run a small government.
Vice president Dr. Bawumia just like his boss has promised to work with a small government when he wins power but he went a step further to say that the number will not exceed 50.
“I will have not more than 50 minsters and deputy Ministers,” Dr. Bawumia assured Ghanaian.
John Dramani Mahama who used 84 Ministers previously has also pledged to cut the number to 60 when given the mandate again.
“I am dedicated to establishing an efficient government with no more than sixty (60) ministers. These ministers and other government appointees will voluntarily relinquish their entitlement to ex-gratia payments upon the completion of their tenure, even before the necessary constitutional amendments, including a review of the contentious Article 71.”
Alan Kyerematen argued against the need for more than 30 to 40 ministers, citing Switzerland as a model where the ideal practice involves fewer ministers.
“I will govern Ghana with 30-40 Ministers. The Constitution only makes room for 19 cabinet Ministers so you don’t need a huge number.”
Promises have been made once again, but the question we are asking is, “Will these candidates stay true to their word if they win power?
