Former President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, recently made a statement expressing his belief that Ghana can still be effectively managed with just 60 ministers. Mahama made this statement while addressing the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), his political party, during a meeting in Accra.
Mahama’s statement comes as a surprise to many Ghanaians, given that during his time as President, he appointed 110 ministers, which was widely criticized as bloated and unnecessary. However, in his recent remarks, Mahama defended his previous appointments, stating that the size of his government was necessitated by the challenges faced by the country at the time.
Mahama argued that the challenges Ghana faces today are not as daunting as they were during his tenure, and as such, a smaller government can be effective in managing the affairs of the country. He further stated that Ghana can still achieve its development goals with a leaner government, as long as the right people are appointed to the right positions.
The issue of the size of government in Ghana has been a contentious one, with many Ghanaians criticizing the country’s large government structure as wasteful and inefficient. In 2017, President Nana Akufo-Addo promised to reduce the size of government to 80 ministers, a move that was widely applauded by Ghanaians.
However, the actual reduction in the number of ministers was minimal, with the current government having 96 ministers. This has led to criticism from some Ghanaians, who feel that the government has not done enough to reduce the size of government.
Mahama’s recent comments have reopened the debate on the size of government in Ghana, with some Ghanaians supporting his position, while others remain skeptical. Some argue that a smaller government will lead to better efficiency and cost savings, while others fear that a reduction in the number of ministers could result in key sectors of the economy being neglected.
Despite the differing opinions on the matter, it is clear that the issue of the size of government in Ghana will continue to be a subject of debate. Mahama’s statement is a reminder that the country can still achieve its development goals with a smaller government, provided that the right people are appointed to the right positions.
In conclusion, the size of government is an important issue that requires careful consideration and debate. While some may argue for a smaller government, others may argue for a larger one. What is important is that the government is structured in a way that allows it to effectively manage the affairs of the country and achieve its development goals. Ultimately, the success of any government depends on the quality of its leadership, rather than the number of ministers it has.
