President John Dramani Mahama has announced a reduction in the number of ministries from 30 to 23.
This significant change was formalized through an Executive Instrument issued on January 9, 2025.
The decision aligns with one of President Mahama’s key campaign promises to create a leaner and more efficient government. During his campaign, he pledged to cap the total number of ministries at 60, emphasizing the need for accountability, cost-effectiveness, and improved decision-making within the public sector.
“This restructuring reflects our commitment to a focused and results-oriented administration that prioritizes the needs of the Ghanaian people,” the President stated in the announcement.
The reduction of ministries is part of a broader governance reform agenda aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the public sector. By merging several ministries, the government seeks to reduce redundancy, cut operational costs, and foster better inter-agency collaboration.
The Executive Instrument, issued under section 11(3) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327), grants the President the constitutional authority to adjust the structure of government ministries and agencies. This provision enables the President to make changes deemed necessary for improving the efficiency of the civil service.
The government has yet to release full details on which ministries have been merged or restructured. However, sources close to the Presidency indicate that the decision was informed by a thorough review of existing ministries and their functions.
This development marks a significant step in reconfiguring Ghana’s governance structures. Observers have noted that a leaner government could translate to better resource allocation and more effective policy implementation.
President Mahama’s move has garnered mixed reactions from the public and political analysts. While some applaud the effort to reduce government expenditure, others have raised questions about the practical implications of the mergers on service delivery.
The administration has assured citizens that the changes will not disrupt ongoing projects and services. The Presidency has also promised to communicate further updates as the restructuring process unfolds.
With this decision, Ghana joins a growing number of nations seeking to enhance governance efficiency through the consolidation of ministries and agencie
