The NDC's Call to Action: Reducing the Size of Government to Restore Ghana's Fiscal Health

File photo

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has long expressed concern over the very large size of government under the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration. As the country is currently facing an economic crisis, the NDC believes that the size of government should be reduced in order to reduce the needless drain on scarce public resources. As a result, the Party has, in a press release signed by its General Secretary, Hon. Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, and dated February 19, directed the Minority caucus in Parliament not to approve any of the new ministerial nominees in order to push for a reduction in the size of government.

The size of government in Ghana is currently a major issue of contention. According to the latest figures from the Ministry of Finance, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has a total of 137 ministers, deputy ministers and ministerial appointees. This is the highest number of ministers and ministerial appointees ever recorded in the history of Ghana. This is despite the fact that Ghana's current population is estimated to be 28 million, with a GDP of US$39.32 billion.

The large size of government has a direct impact on the country's fiscal situation. According to the Bank of Ghana, the country's total debt stood at GH₵133 billion as at the end of 2018. This is a significant increase from the GH₵97 billion recorded in 2017, and is largely due to the government's unnecessary expenditure on large government. In terms of revenue, the government has been unable to meet its revenue targets for the past two years. This is partly due to the large size of government, as the government has to pay for the salaries and benefits of the many ministers and ministerial appointees, thus reducing the amount of money available for other necessary expenditures.

The NDC believes that a reduction in the size of government is the most effective way to reduce the country's fiscal deficit. The reduction in the size of government will enable the government to save on unnecessary expenditure and use the savings to pay down the debt and fund other important social and infrastructure projects. This will in turn help to create jobs, reduce poverty and improve the overall economic situation in the country.

The NDC is not alone in its view that the size of government should be reduced. Civil Society, including the Ghana Trades Union Congress, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition and the Institute of Economic Affairs, have all expressed their support for the initiative. In addition, the majority of the population is in favour of the proposal. According to a recent survey conducted by the Ghana Statistical Service, 79 percent of Ghanaians believe that the size of government should be reduced.

It is clear that the majority of Ghanaians support the NDC's call for a reduction in the size of government. The NDC's directive to the Minority in Parliament to not approve any of the new ministerial nominees is therefore in line with the genuine sentiments of most Ghanaians. The NDC believes that the government should take urgent action to reduce the size of government in order to save on unnecessary expenditure and reduce the country's fiscal deficit.

—
By: Michael Blessing