The Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in Charge of Government’s Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has underscored the Mahama administration’s resolute commitment to fiscal prudence and cost-saving measures, assuring Ghanaians that the government is taking decisive steps to exemplify financial discipline.
His pronouncements highlighted a deliberate shift towards a leaner, more accountable governance structure, aiming to foster public trust through tangible demonstrations of modesty and efficiency at the highest levels of executive power.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that the current government’s stance can be seen as a beacon of austerity, proudly asserting its status as the smallest in the Fourth Republic’s history.
He detailed President Mahama’s adherence to his campaign promise of a streamlined administration, noting that despite an initial pledge of 60 ministers, the government is, in fact, operating with a more modest 56 ministers.
This significant reduction in ministerial appointments is complemented by an equally drastic cut in the presidential staff.
“When it comes to presidential staff, those who work in the presidency, the presidential staff and then the support staff, I can assure you that it will be roughly half of what we came to meet under former President Akufo-Addo, and we are talking about 336 people under him.”
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications
These structural adjustments are posited as foundational pillars of the government’s cost-saving agenda, demonstrating a top-down approach to reining in public expenditure.
Stringent Cut on Public Officers’ Perks
Beyond the organisational restructuring, the government is set to introduce stringent restrictions on perks traditionally enjoyed by public officials.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that President Mahama will, in the coming days, unveil specific measures to curtail lavish benefits that were commonplace under the former administration.
A particularly salient point of this new policy is the President’s firm declaration that individuals serving in the executive branch, over whom he exercises direct control, “cannot look forward to receiving ex-gratia.”
This bold move seeks to redefine the expectations associated with public service, aligning it more closely with a spirit of sacrifice and service rather than entitlement, setting a powerful precedent for fiscal responsibility within the government’s core operations.
The government’s commitment to significant savings is not merely theoretical but is already evident in major national events. Hon. Kwakye Ofosu cited the dramatic reduction in the cost of independence celebrations as a prime example of this fiscal prudence.
He revealed that President Mahama spearheaded an unprecedented 95% cut in expenditure for these national festivities, bringing the cost down from a staggering GHS 20,000,000 to a mere GHS 1,500,000.
This substantial saving, he noted, underscores the administration’s willingness to challenge established norms and prioritise the judicious use of taxpayer money.
“If you come to this house [Jubilee House], there’s no office in the Jubilee House that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television. So someone may say this is trivia, but it is not trivia.
“He has done that because when you compute it, it is significant money. I have no difficulty consuming locally. My appetite is local, so I actually watch local TV”.
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications
This policy, currently in effect at the seat of government, is slated for extension to all government agencies, reinforcing a culture where every potential avenue for saving taxpayers’ money is explored and implemented.
Making Tangible Savings
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu passionately articulated the underlying philosophy driving President Mahama’s administration, emphasising a deep-seated commitment to making tangible savings for the Ghanaian people.
He acknowledged the inherent nature of governance, which often necessitates making challenging decisions that “will impinge on the citizenry.”
However, he underscored the critical reciprocal expectation that “the citizenry must see corresponding levels of modesty on the part of government officials.”
This ethos underpins the entire austerity drive, aiming to build and sustain public trust by demonstrating that leaders are not exempt from the very sacrifices they may ask of the populace.
The constant messaging points to a desire to promote a shared national imperative and a collective understanding that fiscal restraint is more than just a policy.
In summary, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu’s statements present a clear picture of an administration steadfastly committed to responsible spending and ground-breaking cost-cutting measures.
President Mahama’s administration is unwavering in its determination to exhibit fiscal responsibility, from shrinking the size of government and reducing official benefits to drastically reducing costs for national holidays and enforcing seemingly insignificant but significant regulations like the ban on satellite TV subscription.
In addition to saving money, these actions aim to restore public confidence and show a dedication to modesty that reflects the struggles and goals of Ghanaians.
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