President John Mahama has reduced the number of ministries from 30 to 23 as a cost-saving measure.
Mahama, through an executive instrument dated January 9, 2025, disclosed that he has scrapped seven ministries, as a cost-cutting strategy under the austerity policy of the International Monetary Fund.
It also aligned with the president’s promise to streamline government operations for greater efficiency.
“In exercise of the power conferred on the President under section 11(3) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L. 327), this Instrument is made this 9thh day of January, 2025,” the document titled ‘Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025’ reads.
The existing 23 ministries in the civil service are as follows: 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; and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Others are the 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; and Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry.
Mahama made a triumphant return to power, defeating former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in a closely contested election. Mahama secured 56.55% of the vote, while Bawumia garnered 41.6%.
With the reduction of the number of ministries from 30 to 23, the president aims to enhance the delivery of public services and reduce government costs. This decision is in line with his campaign promise to streamline the government and promote accountability.
Interestingly, Mahama’s cost-cutting approach differs significantly from that of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who increased the number of ministries from 44 to 48 in 2023.
While Mahama is focusing on reducing government expenditure, Tinubu’s expansion move has raised questions about the potential impact on Nigeria’s economy.
