The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu, has expressed strong confidence in President-elect John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to managing a lean government with just 60 ministers.
According to Mr. Iddrisu, this pledge, made during Mahama’s campaign, reflects a genuine effort to safeguard the public purse.
Speaking at the NDC manifesto launch in the Central Region on August 24, 2024, Mahama promised to cut government waste, eliminate ostentation, and abolish ex-gratia payments if elected.
In a press briefing on Monday, December 16, ahead of Parliament’s first sitting after the general election, Mr. Iddrisu reiterated that Mahama would honour this pledge.
“Reducing the size of government is a real demonstration of protecting the public purse,” he stated. “He plans to govern with 60 ministers, which is entirely feasible. This could include 23 ministers, 19 cabinet ministers, and 16 regional ministers—amounting to around 54 to 58 ministers.”
Mr. Iddrisu emphasised that this decision aligns with Mahama’s vision to preserve public resources.
“It’s about redirecting funds that would otherwise be spent on salaries, allowances, and privileges of additional ministers, ensuring those resources benefit the nation instead,” he explained.