Parliament doesn’t share ‘gov’t size must reduce’ view – Oppong Nkrumah

Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has said parliament does not share the notion that the size of the government needs reduction.

According to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, the recent approval of the six ministerial nominees by parliament emphasizes his position.

There have been several calls from the opposition and civil society organizations for a reduction in government size.

These bodies have argued that it was a necessity to cut down expenditure, especially considering the country’s economic woes.

But the Ofoase Ayirebi MP said parliament’s actions depict a contrary belief.

“The understanding I have is that parliament does not even share that view. You saw what happened in parliament the last time literally that question was put on the table.

“Despite all the conversations the last time it was put on the table, you saw the numbers. So, parliament as a body does not even share that view,” he said in a radio interview on Sunday.

He added that the newly appointed ministers do not add extra cost to the state.

“It doesn’t cost the taxpayer any extra because they are paid as Members of Parliament,” Mr. Nkrumah stressed.

He, therefore, emphasized that the citizens do not incur an extra cost if the government decides to increase the number of ministers, hence the reason Parliament was not in concurrence with the populace’s view.

Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, however, said the government was ready and open to possible ways of cutting down on expenditure.