President John Dramani Mahama has officially announced a significant reduction in the number of government ministries, cutting them from 29 to 23 as part of an administrative restructuring initiative.
This restructuring was formalized through the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025 (E.I. 1), signed by President Mahama on January 9, 2025. This instrument was made based on the power conferred on the President under section 11(3) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327)
A key feature of this restructuring is the creation of a new Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment, which involves separating Youth from Sports, allowing it to stand alone. Consequently, the Ministry of Sports has been renamed the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Furthermore, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs have been merged with Local Government, forming the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
President Mahama also underscored the importance of a Green Transition, leading to renaming the Ministry of Energy to the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
In addition, Innovation has been transferred from the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology to the Ministry of Communications, which has been renamed the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.
Several ministries have been revoked as part of this streamlining process. These include:
1.Ministry of Information
2.Ministry of National Security
3. Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
4. Ministry of Railway Development
5. Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources
6. Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (which has now been incorporated into the Ministry of Local Government)
7. Ministry of Public Enterprises
This restructuring is intended to improve governmental effectiveness and foster a more focused approach to national development priorities.
Ghana’s Civil Service Restructured: 23 Ministries Announced
In a significant restructuring effort, the government of Ghana has integrated 23 ministries into the Civil Service, aiming to optimize government functions and address emerging priorities.
This move is part of President John Mahama’s administration’s broader strategy to enhance efficiency, reduce bureaucratic overlaps, and improve service delivery.
New Ministry Structures
The restructuring introduces several key changes:
Ministry of Energy and Green Transition reflects Ghana’s growing emphasis on sustainable energy.
Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations underscores the nation’s commitment to leveraging technology for development.
Other ministries include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Health, Ministry of the Interior, and others, each tasked with specific mandates aligned with the government’s goals.
The announcement has sparked varied reactions, with some praising the potential for increased efficiency and others seeking further clarity on the implications for service delivery.
Presidential Commitment to a Lean Government
During the Presidential Dinner in Accra on Wednesday, January 8, President Mahama reiterated his commitment to maintaining a lean government, with a pledge to appoint only 60 ministers despite the influx of thousands of CVs from hopeful candidates. “I have hit the ground running,” President Mahama stated. He added;
“Today, I had several meetings with all our key, multilateral and bilateral partners to try to see how we can kick-start things to make the lives of our people better, to look at issues to do with the economy and all that. And so I expect that all of us who would have a role to play would also be the same.”
H.E. John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana
Acknowledging the challenges of selecting a small, efficient team from a large pool of applicants, President Mahama emphasized the need for a lean government while managing expectations:
“You wouldn’t want to be in my shoes when you’ve promised to appoint only 60 ministers, yet thousands of people are sending in their CVs. Then maybe some people will be disappointed.”
H.E. John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana
President Mahama also highlighted the broader scope of contributing to the administration’s success beyond holding ministerial positions:
“It’s not only by playing the role of a minister, it’s by taking to the senses the many things that we can all do. The success of this administration will guarantee us another term, maybe under some other leader. But we need to get this right, so that Ghanaians repose their confidence in us, and give us another opportunity to continue.”
H.E. John Dramani Mahama President of the Republic of Ghana
First Ministerial Nominations
Fulfilling a key constitutional requirement, President Mahama submitted his first set of ministerial nominations to Parliament on January 9, 2025.
The nominees for critical portfolios in finance, energy, and justice are:
a.) Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
b.) Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
c.) Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate
These nominations, submitted to the Speaker of Parliament in accordance with Article 78 of the 1992 Constitution, signify the administration’s commitment to assembling a capable and effective team.
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