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Mahama Can Govern with 19 Ministers Instead of 60, Says Asah-Asante

Mahama Can Govern with 19 Ministers Instead of 60, Says Asah-Asante

In a thought-provoking analysis, Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, a renowned political scientist, has suggested that President John Dramani Mahama can effectively govern Ghana with a cabinet of just 19 ministers, contrary to the president’s promise to cap the number of ministers at 60. This recommendation comes as part of a broader discussion on improving public service delivery, reducing government costs, and promoting accountability.

A Call for a Leaner Government

Speaking on Morning Starr with Naa Dedei Tettey, Dr. Asah-Asante commended President Mahama’s decision to reduce the number of ministries from 30 to 23. However, he argued that the Constitution permits a cabinet size of between 10 and 19 ministers, emphasizing that a smaller group of senior ministers could handle state affairs more efficiently. “Even though the president has promised 60, I think he can do with 19. If you are serious about ensuring that the affairs of the State are rightly handled, the Constitution says that the lower ceiling of the cabinet is 10 and the upper ceiling is 19,” he explained.

Constitutional Provisions

Dr. Asah-Asante highlighted that the Constitution allows for a cabinet size ranging from 10 to 19 ministers. He noted that this smaller group of senior ministers would be responsible for making crucial decisions alongside the President. “A smaller cabinet is not only feasible but aligns with our legal framework, ensuring that key decisions are streamlined and made more efficiently,” he added.

Efficiency and Accountability

The political scientist argued that a leaner cabinet would ensure proper handling of state affairs, aligning with constitutional provisions. He also pointed out that the law requires 16 regional ministries, which could be accommodated within the proposed 19-minister cabinet. This approach, according to Dr. Asah-Asante, would promote efficiency and accountability in government operations.

“An efficient government does not necessarily need a large number of ministers. With a focused and smaller team, we can achieve better results and more accountability,” Dr. Asah-Asante emphasized. He also noted that reducing the number of ministers would cut down on administrative costs, allowing the government to allocate more resources to critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.

Cost Reduction and Resource Allocation

One of the significant benefits of a leaner cabinet, as highlighted by Dr. Asah-Asante, is the potential for substantial cost savings. The reduction in the number of ministers and their associated costs, including salaries, allowances, and administrative expenses, would free up resources that can be redirected towards essential public services.

“Reducing the number of ministers will not only save money but also enable the government to invest in vital areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development,” said Dr. Asah-Asante. He further explained that these savings could be used to improve the lives of ordinary Ghanaians, addressing pressing needs and promoting overall development.

President Mahama’s Commitment

President Mahama had pledged to reduce the number of ministries from 30 to 23 as part of his broader strategy to improve public service delivery and reduce government costs. This decision was taken through an Executive Instrument (E.I.) signed on January 9, 2025, fulfilling a key campaign promise to streamline the government for greater efficiency and accountability.

Public Reactions

Dr. Asah-Asante’s suggestion has sparked a heated debate among political analysts and the general public. While some support the idea of a leaner government, recognizing its potential benefits, others argue that a larger cabinet is necessary to address the diverse needs of the country. The debate continues as Ghanaians weigh the pros and cons of reducing the number of ministers.

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Supporters of a smaller cabinet believe that it would lead to better coordination and faster decision-making, while those in favor of a larger cabinet contend that more ministers are needed to ensure all aspects of governance are adequately covered. The discussion highlights the complex balance between efficiency and inclusivity in government administration.

Looking Ahead

As Ghana navigates its path to economic recovery and improved governance, the debate on the optimal size of the cabinet remains a critical issue. Dr. Asah-Asante’s recommendation for a 19-minister cabinet presents an opportunity for the government to consider more efficient and cost-effective ways of managing state affairs.

The suggestion also encourages a broader reflection on how best to allocate limited resources and ensure that public service delivery meets the needs of all citizens. As the government continues to seek ways to enhance efficiency and accountability, the insights provided by Dr. Asah-Asante could serve as a valuable guideline for future reforms.

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