
Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, has estimated that reducing the number of ministers from 110 to 60 could save Ghana approximately GHS316.7 million annually in salaries and accommodation expenses.
Cudjoe’s analysis highlights historical trends in ministerial appointments, noting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government appointed 82 ministers between 1992 and 2000, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) increased this count to 93 ministers between 2000 and 2008. Under former President Akufo-Addo, the number rose to 110, the highest in recent history.
He referenced a 2020 World Bank report indicating a negative correlation between the number of ministers and governance outcomes, suggesting that larger cabinets are linked to increased spending and larger deficits.
The policy advisor emphasized the financial impact of reducing the number of ministers, stating that decreasing the count from 110 to 50 could result in significant savings.
Over a four-year term, this would amount to GHS1.27 billion in savings on salaries and accommodation, with an additional GHS1.3 billion saved when ex-gratia payments are included.
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to implement a leaner government structure, aiming to reduce the number of ministers to 60.
During his campaign ahead of the 2024 polls which saw him return to the Presidency, he stated, “I will run a lean, highly effective, and efficient government of no more than 60 ministers and deputy ministers.”