Mahama under fire over lean government appointments

President John Dramani Mahama’s pledge to run a “lean and efficient government” has come under intense scrutiny, following a series of high-profile appointments that critics say contradict his own campaign promises of cost-cutting and fiscal discipline.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a blistering attack on the Mahama administration, accusing the President of presiding over an “expensive and bloated government” despite promising a smaller, more efficient one.

According to the opposition NPP, the appointment of 60 ministers, numerous presidential staffers, and newly created deputy positions in Ghana’s foreign missions has made a mockery of Mahama’s earlier vow to reduce government size and expenditure.

Mahama’s Promise of a Lean Government

In the run-up to the 2024 general elections, Mahama repeatedly assured Ghanaians that an NDC government under his leadership would be leaner, more productive, and focused on national development priorities.

During his “Mahama Conversations” broadcast, he pledged to cut down on ministerial appointments and reduce the cost of governance.

“I promise you a leaner government,” Mahama declared at the time. “We’ll have fewer ministers and cut government expenditure, and any savings that we make will be used to better the lives of our teachers and other national workers.”

The President presented this as a contrast to what he described as Akufo-Addo’s “obolo government,” which had been widely criticized for excessive appointments and overlapping roles.

John Mahama’s message resonated with many Ghanaians, particularly amid growing frustrations over government waste and mismanagement.

Reality: A Government Expanding, Not Shrinking

Barely a year into office, however, critics argue that Mahama’s actions have strayed far from his rhetorihisqq

The NPP has accused the President of creating redundant roles and expanding the payroll under the guise of reform.

Sixteen regional NDC organizers have been appointed as Presidential Staffers — effectively serving as deputy regional ministers — a move opposition lawmakers say adds unnecessary political layers to regional administration.

In addition, the appointment of 18 Deputy Heads of Mission — dubbed “Deputy Ambassadors” — has triggered further controversy.

The opposition claims these appointments breach both the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and Ghana’s Civil Service Act (PNDCL 327), which reserve administrative roles like Head of Chancery for career diplomats, not political appointees.

“This is not reform. It’s duplication and waste,” said Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, MP for Bosome Freho and Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

“We now have two senior administrators in every mission abroad — one political and one professional — both drawing huge salaries, enjoying state accommodation, and funded by taxpayers.”

Cost to the State

The financial implications are staggering. Each Deputy Head of Mission is estimated to earn a salary of around $7,000 monthly, bringing the total cost per deputy to between $150,000 and $170,000 annually, including allowances.

Over a four-year posting, the total expenditure for all 18 appointees is projected to exceed $12 million.

“This is the same government that says it cannot pay teachers, nurses, and doctors their allowances,” Asafo-Adjei Ayeh argued.

“Meanwhile, we are spending millions to create unnecessary political positions abroad.”

The situation is further compounded by reports that some newly appointed officials lack proper offices or defined roles, yet continue to draw salaries and allowances.

Economic Pressure And Broken Promises

The economy remains under severe strain, with widespread reports of delayed salary payments and unpaid allowances.

Nurses, teachers, and youth employment (YEA) workers have gone months without pay, while funding for secondary education programs has been described as “crippled.”

The Ministry of Finance, led by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is reportedly struggling to raise sufficient revenue to meet recurrent obligations, further fueling criticism that the administration’s priorities are misplaced.

Costly Travels And Political Optics

The trip to China with huge entourage, intended to strengthen trade and diplomatic ties with Beijing, comes on the heels of public outrage over the government’s large delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Despite official claims that fewer than 20 delegates were approved to attend the UNGA, eyewitness accounts and social media evidence suggested that several political aides and NDC youth organizers were part of the entourage — all at taxpayers’ expense.

The NPP has accused Mahama of hypocrisy, pointing out that his lean-government mantra rings hollow when juxtaposed with these costly international trips.

Government’s Defense

President Mahama has defended his decisions, insisting that the diplomatic appointments and international engagements are part of a long-term restructuring of Ghana’s global presence.

He maintains that the new positions will help “strengthen the efficiency and visibility” of Ghana’s missions abroad.

Speaking at the swearing-in of the new ambassadors and deputies at the Jubilee House, Mahama argued that the appointments were necessary for “effective coordination” and announced plans to acquire permanent properties for the foreign missions to reduce annual rent costs of around $15 million.

Public Perception and Political Fallout

Public opinion, however, appears skeptical.

Many see the new appointments and lavish trips as evidence that the administration’s cost-cutting rhetoric was merely political theater.

However, civil society groups and policy think tanks have also warned that the government’s credibility on fiscal prudence is at risk.

With Ghana’s economy still fragile, the optics of a government expanding its size and spending millions on political patronage could prove politically damaging.