President John Mahama is set to introduce major restrictions on the perks and privileges previously enjoyed by public officials, as part of a broader plan to reduce public spending and promote modest, responsible governance.
Government spokesperson Felix Ofosu Kwakye made the disclosure during an interview on PM Express on Tuesday, stating that the President would soon roll out new policies aimed at demonstrating fiscal discipline across government.
According to him, the Mahama-led administration is already taking bold steps to operate within its means, beginning with reductions at the highest levels of power.
“In the coming days, President Mahama will announce many restrictions on some of the perks that public officials used to enjoy under the former administration,” he said. He emphasized that the administration is leading by example, with President Mahama running what is arguably the leanest government in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.
“He promised 60 ministers, but he’s actually operating with 56,” Ofosu Kwakye explained. “When it comes to presidential staffers and support staff, I can assure you it will be roughly half of what we came to meet. Under Akufo-Addo’s presidency, there were 336 staffers.”
In line with this cost-cutting approach, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye addressed the recently introduced fuel levy, stressing that it will be “scrupulously accounted for.” He said the government is fully committed to responsible spending and transparency.
As part of the changes, he confirmed that ex gratia payments will no longer be available to members of the executive branch under President Mahama.
“President Mahama has made it clear that those who work in the executive cannot expect to receive ex gratia,” he noted. “Of course, he doesn’t have jurisdiction over the legislature or judiciary, but as far as the executive is concerned, that benefit is gone.”
He further revealed that the President has banned DStv and other satellite TV subscriptions at the Jubilee House, with plans to extend the ban to all government agencies. The move is intended to eliminate non-essential spending and reinforce a culture of modesty in public service.
“There’s no office in this house that is allowed to subscribe to DStv or any satellite television,” he disclosed. “It may seem like a small matter, but when the cost was calculated, it turned out to be a significant amount of money.”
The government maintains that these new restrictions will set a tone of accountability, discipline, and humility in leadership as it seeks to restore public confidence and stabilize national finances.
