According to JoyNews, the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, informed Parliament that there are currently fewer than 60 presidential staff members at the Presidency, along with a similar number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.
He emphasized the President’s commitment to reducing unnecessary expenses and reiterated the pledge to limit the number of Ministers to no more than 60, distancing the current administration from the 337 political appointees seen under former President Akufo-Addo.
Kwakye pointed out that reducing the ministerial count from 123 to 60 would lead to significant savings, such as fewer vehicles and bungalows needed for officials, as well as a decrease in support staff.
He noted that, as of now, there are only 56 Ministers, with 42 actively managing the country since the Deputy Ministers have yet to be approved.
Mr Speaker, President Mahama has not limited himself to just reducing the number of ministers. In any event that I speak to you, there are only 56 ministers. And in fact, they are 42 ministers running Ghana as we speak, because deputy ministers have not been approved,” he said.
Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abu Jinapor, also participated in the discussion, asserting that while President Mahama has appointed fewer than 60 Ministers, he has increased the number of staff at Jubilee House significantly.