Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated emphatically that the Mahama administration has not purchased a single new vehicle for use at the Jubilee House since assuming office nearly eleven months ago.
Speaking during a media engagement, he stressed that the decision reflects a deliberate effort to curb public spending and eliminate waste in government operations.
According to him, the presidency has demonstrated restraint by refusing to commit resources to what he described as non-essential expenditures, even though such provisions form part of the entitlements of senior officials.
“At least in this house, the Jubilee House, since we came to power… No vehicle purchases have occurred. I use my private vehicle, as do all the other people who work in this office. No new vehicles have been bought”.
Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu
He added that although vehicles may eventually be procured at some stage, doing so now would undermine the administration’s objective of tightening public spending.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu noted that his personal experience underscores the government’s commitment to frugality, explaining that he has continued to use his private car for official duties. “I drove the rickety car to your station when I was in opposition. So if I drive to your station again to do this work that we are doing, it’s not a problem,” he stated.
While acknowledging that access to official vehicles can enhance efficiency, he argued that public officials must be willing to sacrifice where necessary to protect the public purse. “It is sometimes possible to restrain expenditure in order that you don’t suffer too much slippage. That, if it is necessary, has to be done.”
Cancellation of Fuel Supply
He highlighted President Mahama’s decision to cease the supply of fuel to officials at the Jubilee House, Ministers and other state institutions as a key measure that has already produced significant savings.
“The average Land Cruiser takes between GHS 1,500 and GHS 1,600 to fill. If I were to be given 1,500 cedis of fuel every week, we can calculate how much goes into fuel for me alone in a year, and then the four years that hopefully we will be in government.
“If you multiply it by the number of ministers and other appointees that you have, it is huge money, but the President has clamped down on it as I speak to you, and it has not detracted me from the work that I’m doing.”
Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu
The Minister made it clear that although his appointment letter entitles him to a four-wheel drive, a saloon car, and weekly fuel provisions, he has not accessed any of these resources since the President’s directive.
“Every week before then, my driver was called to go and receive the fuel. Now, that has stopped. He doesn’t draw it anymore, and I have to buy it myself, and I think it is the right thing to do.”
Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu
He argued that many hardworking professionals across the country perform their duties without such benefits, and government officials should not be exempt from adopting similar discipline when circumstances demand it.
Commitment to Prudent Sppending
Responding to concerns about sustainability, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu insisted the policy is workable for as long as the President decides it is essential. He reiterated that the government’s priority is to channel resources into sectors that deliver the greatest impact to citizens.
Vehicle purchases and fuel allocations, he argued, do not fall into this category at this time. He highlighted education as one of the main beneficiaries of the administration’s commitment to prudent spending.
“A lot of money now goes into education… In this budget, GHS 30.3 billion was allocated to education, in which GHS 4.2 billion has been allocated to Free Senior High School for the 2026 financial year.”
Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu
He added that nearly GHS 1.3 billion has already been spent this year on feeding senior high school students, significantly reducing the supply shortages and complaints that characterized the previous administration.
The health sector has also received a major boost, with GHS 11 billion allocated to the National Health Insurance Scheme for 2026. Of this amount, GHS 2.4 billion will support the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, while part of the allocation will finance the rollout of Free Primary healthcare.
According to him, this initiative is designed to ease pressure on major health facilities and ensure that the most basic health needs of Ghanaians are catered for at no cost.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu also outlined allocations for agriculture, noting the establishment of 50 farmer service centres backed by GHS 680 million, as well as GHS 245 million set aside to address the current food glut. He further pointed to the No-Fee Stress policy, under which 151,000 students have already benefited as of last week.
He concluded that by prioritising critical sectors and cutting unnecessary expenditures, the government has demonstrated its commitment to responsible governance. “There are priorities. There are things that you need to do immediately when you come to power, and that does not include immediately buying vehicles,” he stressed.
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