Mahama can do it with just 30 ministers — Prof. Avea Nsoh

President John Dramani Mahama has faced skepticism about his ability to fulfill his manifesto promises of running a government with 60 ministers, including regional ministers.

Many Ghanaians question whether such a structure would be practical, especially considering the bloated governments of the past. However, Professor Avea Nsoh of the University of Education, Winneba, believes that not only can Mahama meet this target, but he can also govern effectively with even fewer ministers.

In an interview, Prof. Nsoh asserted that a government with as few as 30 ministers, including deputies, would be more than sufficient to manage Ghana’s affairs. He emphasized that smaller governments are often more effective, citing examples from developed nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany. Despite their larger populations and more complex economies, these countries maintain lean administrations. Prof. Nsoh added that large governments are often indicative of underdevelopment and unaccountable governance, pointing to the current administration under President Akufo-Addo as a prime example of inefficiency.

He recalled that President Akufo-Addo, while in opposition, criticized the Mahama-led NDC government for its supposedly large cabinet, only to nearly double the number of ministers upon taking office. Akufo-Addo’s administration created unnecessary ministries, appointed redundant deputies, and included several special duties ministers at the presidency. According to Prof. Nsoh, this bloated structure not only increased inefficiency but also wasted public funds.

To avoid repeating such mistakes, Prof. Nsoh proposed a streamlined ministerial structure that would include 16 regional ministers and 14 sector ministers. He suggested merging and realigning existing ministries to reduce overlap and improve efficiency. For instance, he recommended consolidating Defense, Interior, and National Security into a single ministry; combining Education, Tourism, Culture & Creative Arts, and Chieftaincy into one portfolio; and integrating Health with Sports and Science. He also called for the collapse of Information and Communication into a unified ministry and the merging of Energy, Environment, Science, Lands, and Natural Resources.

Prof. Nsoh argued that regional ministers are essential for overseeing Ghana’s decentralized governance structure but noted that deputies for these ministers are unnecessary, especially following the creation of smaller regions. He also advocated for the abolition of redundant portfolios, such as special duties ministers, and urged future constitutional reforms to cap the number of ministries and ministers.

For this lean government structure to succeed, Prof. Nsoh emphasized the need for a reorientation of Ghana’s public service. He called for the retraining of the Public Services Commission, Civil Service, and Chief Directors to ensure they can effectively support ministers. He added that any ineffective officials should be replaced, as there are many qualified professionals available to step in.

Prof. Nsoh expressed confidence in the President-elect’s ability to deliver on his promise. He acknowledged the challenge Mahama may face in selecting appointees from his party’s extensive network of supporters but noted the President-elect’s track record of keeping his word. With this being Mahama’s final term, the professor believes he is motivated to make a lasting impact.

“John Mahama has the opportunity to set a new standard for governance in Ghana by demonstrating that a lean government can deliver extraordinary results,” Prof. Nsoh concluded. The professor’s proposal, if implemented, could mark a significant shift toward more efficient and accountable governance in Ghana.