Minority Leader calls for reduction in government size amidst Ghana’s fiscal challenges
Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr Ato Forson, has made a call to President Akufo-Addo to reduce the size of his government in light of Ghana’s present fiscal challenges.
The Minority Leader suggested that the number of ministers be reduced from the current 86 to 65, and for certain ministries with similar functions to be merged.
The suggestion of reducing the number of ministers is a logical one, given the current economic climate in Ghana.
The country has experienced significant economic challenges in recent years, with increasing debt and a fiscal deficit that reached 11.7% of GDP in 2020. This has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to a decline in revenue and an increase in expenditure.
It is worth noting that the size of the Ghanaian government is not unique. Many African countries have large governments, with numerous ministers and political appointees.
However, these large governments can be expensive to maintain, particularly in times of economic hardship.
The call for a reduction in the number of ministers is not the first of its kind in Ghana. In 2018, the government reduced the number of ministries from 36 to 29, in a bid to streamline its operations and reduce costs. This move was praised by some as a step in the right direction, but others criticized it as not going far enough.
Dr Forson’s suggestion to merge some ministries with similar functions is also a sensible one. It is not uncommon for governments to have multiple ministries that are responsible for similar areas, leading to duplication and inefficiency.
By merging these ministries, the government could potentially reduce costs and improve efficiency.
However, it is important to note that reducing the size of the government is not a panacea for Ghana’s economic challenges. The country will still need to address the underlying issues that have led to its current fiscal situation.
This includes improving revenue collection, reducing wasteful spending, and promoting economic growth.
Furthermore, reducing the size of the government could have unintended consequences. For example, it could lead to job losses for those who work in the public sector, which could have negative impacts on the economy and society.
Dr Ato Forson’s call for a reduction in the size of the Ghanaian government is a reasonable one, given the country’s current fiscal challenges.
However, it is important to approach this issue with caution and consider the potential impacts of such a move. Ultimately, Ghana will need to implement a range of measures to address its economic challenges and promote sustainable growth.
