Mahama Cuts Ministries from 30 to 23

By Hlordzie Mawuena Jessica On Jan 11, 2025

President John Dramani Mahama has reduced Ghana’s government ministries from 30 to 23.

He announced this decision on January 9, 2025, through an Executive Instrument. By streamlining the government, President Mahama aims to enhance public service delivery and lower operational costs.

Fulfilling his campaign promise, President Mahama has prioritized a results-driven administration. He pledged to establish a lean government structure that would foster accountability, improve cost-efficiency, and simplify decision-making processes. This reduction aligns with his vision to optimize governance and public sector performance.

By invoking his constitutional authority under Section 11(3) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327), the President reconfigured the ministry setup to align with Ghana’s development priorities. Some ministries were merged, while others were reshaped to address critical national goals, such as green energy, digital innovation, and youth empowerment.

Newly Established Ministries

The 23 ministries now forming Ghana’s Civil Service include:

Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Health
Ministry of the Interior
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Education
Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Ministry of Roads and Highways
Ministry of Transport
Ministry of Sports and Recreation
Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice
Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations
Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology
Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources
Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts
Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry

This reorganization reflects the administration’s commitment to optimizing government operations and addressing new priorities. By consolidating ministries, the government intends to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and deliver better public services. Notable changes include the creation of the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, which underscores a commitment to sustainable energy, and the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, highlighting the importance of technology in national development.

President Mahama emphasized the need to focus resources on critical areas, such as green energy, agribusiness, and youth empowerment. He stated that this restructuring also aligns with his broader agenda to make governance more effective and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.

This new structure replaces the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2021 (E.I. 12), signaling a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to public administration. While some Ghanaians have applauded the move for its potential to enhance efficiency, others await further clarity on how it will affect service delivery.

President Mahama reaffirmed his pledge to maintain a government with only 60 ministers, despite receiving thousands of applications for ministerial positions.

Speaking at a Presidential Dinner on January 8, he acknowledged the challenges of assembling a capable and efficient team.

“I have hit the ground running. Today, I met with our key multilateral and bilateral partners to discuss ways to improve the economy and the lives of our people. I expect everyone who has a role to play in this administration to approach their duties with the same urgency and commitment,” he said.

The President expressed the difficulty of selecting a small team from a large pool of qualified candidates, noting the importance of a lean government in fulfilling his administration’s goals.

“You wouldn’t want to be in my shoes when you’ve promised to appoint only 60 ministers, yet thousands of people are sending in their CVs,” he remarked.

Despite these challenges, President Mahama emphasized that contributing to Ghana’s progress extends beyond holding ministerial roles.

“The success of this administration depends on the collective efforts of all Ghanaians. Getting this right will ensure that our people trust us to lead them again,” he emphasized

Submission of Ministerial Nominations

On January 9, President Mahama submitted his first set of ministerial nominations to Parliament, fulfilling a constitutional requirement following his inauguration on January 7. These nominees are:

Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson – Minister for Finance Designate
Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor – Minister for Energy Designate
Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine – Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Designate

By restructuring the government and appointing capable individuals to lead key ministries, President Mahama has set a strong foundation for achieving his administration’s goals. This streamlined structure aims to improve governance, enhance efficiency, and address the nation’s pressing needs.