In a significant step towards fulfilling his administration’s promise of a lean and performance-driven government, President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in one Minister of State and 13 Deputy Ministers.
The ceremony, held at the Jubilee House, was attended by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Chief of Staff, senior government officials, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries.
In his address, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to reducing the size of government to the smallest in Ghana’s history while ensuring that critical ministries receive adequate support to achieve their objectives.
He emphasized that the appointment of deputy ministers was limited to ministries with heavier workloads, including Finance, Agriculture, Energy, Roads, Works and Housing, Tourism, Interior, Trade and Agribusiness, Education, Justice, Lands and Natural Resources, Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Defense.
“The highly demanding responsibilities in these ministries require additional support to ensure swift and effective implementation of the programs and policies that we have set ourselves.
“Ministries that can function effectively without deputy ministers have not been assigned any deputy ministers, reaffirming our commitment to a lean and efficient government”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
The President disclosed that the swearing-in of the latest batch of 13 deputy ministers and one Minister of State brings his government closer to achieving the full complement of ministers.
He further revealed plans to submit a final list of four deputy ministers within the week, fulfilling his administration’s promise to cap ministerial appointments at 60.
President Mahama commended Parliament for the swift approval of ministers, marking the earliest approval process under the Fourth Republic.
He expressed appreciation to the Speaker and Members of Parliament for their cooperation in ensuring that ministers were promptly in place to commence work.
Reducing Presidential Appointees
Furthermore, President Mahama highlighted his administration’s commitment to reducing political appointments at the presidency.
He noted that, so far, only 30 political appointees had been made—27 presidential staffers and three directors of key governmental initiatives—pending approval by the Council of State.
He contrasted this with the previous administration’s 336 political appointees at the presidency, stressing that while supporting staff would be recruited to ensure effective governance, the numbers would remain significantly lower.
“Our commitment to a lean government is not merely about reducing the number of ministerial appointees or reducing the numbers at the presidency. It is grounded in our firm belief that the government must exercise fiscal discipline by ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and responsibly. “
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
Ensuring Fiscal Discipline and Accountability
Underscoring the importance of fiscal responsibility, the President called for a balanced approach to government expenditure.
He stressed that public resources should primarily be channeled into investments that directly benefit Ghanaians rather than being consumed by those entrusted with their administration.
“The full extent of our commitment to fulfilling our promises is evident not only in the way we have curated the leanest government but also in the policies we are pursuing”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
Addressing the newly sworn-in Minister of State, Hon. Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, who will oversee Public Sector Reforms, President Mahama charged her with working under the Special Adviser on Governmental Affairs to ensure the swift and optimal transformation of Ghana’s public services.
He reminded the new deputy ministers of the immense responsibility placed upon them, stressing the importance of accountability, diligence, and sacrifice in serving the nation.
“As deputy ministers, while you must support your substantive ministers, I shall hold you to the same standards of accountability, hard work, and dedication to national service. The same caution I give to ministers against arrogance, opulence, and dereliction of duty applies to you as well.”
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
Mandatory Asset Declaration and Essential Travel Policy
President Mahama reiterated the requirement for all appointed officials, including deputy ministers, to promptly fulfill their asset declaration obligations with the Auditor-General’s office.
He also reminded them that any international travel must pass the essential travel test and receive approval from the Office of the Chief of Staff.
He extended this directive to Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Deputy CEOs of government departments and agencies, emphasizing that they, too, are covered under the amended asset declaration law.
“Some individuals who rushed for positions may have thought they were exempt, but the law is clear. They must declare their assets as quickly as possible. I have asked the Chief of Staff to formally write to all affected persons to ensure compliance”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
Urgency of Government Work and Public Service Collaboration
The President also highlighted the need for urgency in government work, reminding the newly appointed officials that, unlike public service employees with tenure up to 60 years, the government operates within a four-year mandate.
He urged them to work with urgency and to incentivize public service officers to align with the government’s fast-paced agenda.
“The task of resetting and building the Ghana we want is enormous. However, experience has shown that the enormity of this challenge does not demand an elephant-sized government but rather effective leadership”.
President of Ghana HE John Dramani Mahama
He concluded by reiterating his unwavering commitment to a lean, efficient, and results-driven government, charging the newly appointed officials to uphold the highest standards of public service.
“As long as I am President, my policy will remain clear—a lean, efficient, and results-driven government of which you have just become a part,” he affirmed.
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