Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party’s flagbearer, has pledged to limit the number of Ministers and Deputy Ministers to 50 during his presidency.
Dr Bawumia emphasized the importance of an efficient governance system, stating that having fewer ministers will lead to a more streamlined decision-making process.
“I would have no more than 50 ministers and deputy ministers,” he said in a statement. He also mentioned the importance of expanding the private sector’s role, as well as fiscal and administrative decentralization, in order to improve the functioning of systems and institutions. This, he claimed, would lead to increased efficiency and value for money in procurement.
“The shift to having many public services provided by the private sector would free up at least 3% of GDP in fiscal space.” This is a significant paradigm change. Furthermore, even fewer ministers will be needed under an effective form of government, he continued.
In an address to the people of Ghana on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, to present his vision and priorities, Dr. Bawumia announced the creation of an independent fiscal responsibility council, which will lower interest rates and budget deficits during his presidency.
“My government will strengthen fiscal discipline through an independent fiscal responsibility council established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982) in order to sustainably reduce the budget deficit and interest rates.” Additionally, a fiscal rule requiring budgeted expenditures in any given year to not exceed 105% of the tax revenue from the previous year will be added to the Fiscal Responsibility Act. This will stop budgetary expenses from being incurred due to overly optimistic revenue projections that turn out to be unrealized.
Additionally, the Bawumia government will lessen the financial strain on the government by utilizing the private sector, in the wake of the successful implementation and/or improvement of programs like Free SHS, Free TVEY, and others under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration.
“With all of these social safety nets in place, my government will now focus on creating jobs and wealth for all Ghanaians through the private sector. My administration will incentivize the private sector to assist the government in the provision of many infrastructure and other services in order to reduce government spending and improve maintenance,” he stated.
The event, which was broadcast on Citi TV, was also well attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, the Clergy, Civil Society Organizations, and NPP officials.
