Oppong Nkrumah: President Akufo-Addo Hasn’t Ignored Calls to Downsize His Government
According to Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, President of the Republic Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would not ignore calls to reduce the size of his administration.
On Sunday, October 30, 2022, the President addressed the nation on the condition of Ghana’s economy.
Speaking to Ghanaians, the President assured them that his government is working relentlessly to alleviate the country’s current economic suffering.
“The entire globe is taken aback…economies large and small have suffered the largest growth and cost of living in a generation this year alone,” he remarked.
In outlining some of the efforts his administration is taking to address the economic crisis, the President emphasized that the policy of 30% pay cuts for political office holders (President, Vice President, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MMDCEs, and SOE appointments) will be maintained in 2023.
Furthermore, the 30% decrease in discretionary spending by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies continues unabated.
However, some opponents argue that these are insufficient to alleviate Ghanaians’ suffering if the President continues to hold the number of appointments under his government.
They are advocating for a quick reorganization, claiming that it will assist to simplify the economy.
The Information Minister told the people that the President has heard their concerns in an exclusive interview with host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” show Monday morning.
“Many individuals have stated that the number of Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and agencies is excessive, and that the size should be decreased. I don’t think the President has dismissed these concerns… I don’t believe the President has given no attention to it since he is about to undertake a number of things “, he explained.
He was optimistic that the President would consider the size of government.
“I know the size of government and so forth are topics he continues to explore; he has already decreased the size of government from his first term, which had approximately 126 Ministers, to around 86, and there is ongoing discussion about how to further reduce the size of government.”
