Dr. Emmanuel Kojo Asante, Director of Advocacy at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), has joined demands for the government to minimize costs by lowering the number of ministries and appointees.
Dr. Asante stated that the present number of ministries, with 86 ministers and deputy ministers, is a major drain on the public purse at a time when the government is eager for economic assistance.
He claims that the answer to the government's financial problems is as simple as reducing the number of ministries and lawmakers.
Speaking in response to CDD-ideas Ghana's for decreasing the size and expense of operating government, Dr. Asante agreed that, while some ministries are regarded significant and relevant, the country's current economic circumstances necessitate some trimming to save the government some dollars.
"In our practice, some ministries have become sort of vital and relevant, and if you're going to rationalize them, you have to think more thoroughly about how you integrate them so that they don't lose their essence."
He also stated that the government does not need to form ministries with appointed ministers to carry out certain programs, but that they may be monitored and carried out by a bigger ministry.
"The notion that having a ministry and a minister is what would deliver the agenda for you has shown to be incorrect. A ministry was not formed to handle Free SHS, for example, but the policy is being implemented and paid, thus I disagree with the concept of adding new ministries.
"We've seen so many examples of how these things don't function. It is also a significant expense to the public because we squander money because every time you establish up a ministry, you will require departments and directors, which is troublesome since they come at a cost."
According to the CDD's proposals, reducing the size of ministries will "reduce the amount paid to ministers in salaries by GH8,528,316.00 annually, a figure that is 33.73% of the total amount paid in salaries to ministers, assuming the figures from Prof. Yaa Ntiamoah-Baidu Committee's report on Emoluments for Article 71 office holders."
The recommendations also called for the "dissolution of the Ministries of Public Enterprises, Parliamentary Affairs, and Railways because their activities are incorporated into the functions of other ministries."