Mahama to cut public officials’ benefits in new cost-saving measures

President John Mahama is expected to introduce major changes to reduce the benefits enjoyed by public officials under the previous administration. This is part of his government’s plan to lower public spending and promote modest leadership.

Government spokesperson Felix Ofosu Kwakye revealed the upcoming changes on PM Express on Tuesday. He said the President is already leading by example by making budget cuts at the highest level of government.

“In the coming days, President Mahama will announce many restrictions on some of the perks that public officials used to enjoy under the former administration,” he said.

He explained that the Mahama administration is already focused on responsible spending. “President Mahama is operating a modest government. You are aware that this government is the smallest in the history of the Fourth Republic.

“He promised 60 ministers; he is actually operating with 56. When it comes to presidential staffers and the support staff, I can assure you that it will be roughly half of what we came to meet. We are talking about 336 people in Akufo-Addo’s presidency.”

Mr. Ofosu Kwakye also addressed the new fuel levy, saying it would be carefully managed. “In government, we have done things that show that we are committed to saving costs,” he added.

He confirmed that executive appointees under Mahama will no longer receive ex gratia payments. “President Mahama has said that people who work under him in the executive of course, he does not have control over the legislature and the judiciary but the executive, they cannot look forward to receiving ex gratia.”

Another change already in effect is a ban on DSTV and other satellite TV subscriptions at the Jubilee House. This policy will be extended to all government offices.

“I can reveal to you that if you come to this house, there’s no office in this house that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television,” he said. “You might say that is a trivial matter, but he has done that. Because when you computed the cost, it was significant money.”