In a bid to reduce public expenditure and adhere to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity program, President John Mahama of Ghana has announced the abolition of seven government ministries.
This decision, made official through a gazette on January 9, 2025, reduces the total number of ministries in the country from 30 to 23.
The restructuring is part of Mahama’s promise to streamline government operations for improved efficiency.
The remaining ministries, including those for finance, health, interior, defence, education, energy, green transition, roads and highways, and transport, will continue to operate as part of the restructured government.
Mahama, who returned to power after previously serving as president from 2012 to 2017, defeated former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in a tight election.
Mahama won with 56.55% of the vote, while Bawumia, who conceded defeat early, secured 41.6%.
Mahama’s approach to cutting government costs contrasts with that of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who expanded his country’s ministries from 44 to 48 in 2023, signaling a different approach to governance.
