UPSA Lecturer Questions Sustainability of Ghana’s Large Government

A lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Justice Abdulai, has sparked fresh public debate over the size and structure of government, amid discussions about potential political developments, including speculation over a possible petition for the removal of the Electoral Commission (EC) Chairperson.

Speaking on governance and public sector efficiency, Abdulai emphasized that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution sets a clear ceiling for the number of cabinet ministers, stating that it “mandates not more than 19 cabinet ministers.” He argued that adherence to this provision should guide efforts to streamline government operations and reduce public expenditure.

The lecturer questioned the continued relevance of certain political appointments, particularly the role of deputy regional ministers.

According to him, these positions offer limited value and could be scrapped without affecting administrative efficiency.

“There is no use for deputy regional ministers,” Abdulai stated, adding that some ministries themselves do not require deputy ministers. He further suggested that a number of ministries could be merged to eliminate duplication of functions and improve coordination.

Abdulai also pointed out that regional ministers largely serve supervisory roles over Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). He proposed that such responsibilities could instead be handled by technocrats, including directors and other civil servants, to enhance professionalism and continuity in governance.

His comments come in the context of ongoing political discussions about the size of government under President John Dramani Mahama.

Abdulai noted that , if Prez Mahama is now operating with fewer than 60 ministers, it demonstrates that a leaner government is achievable with careful planning.

“Of a truth, President Mahama knows and has seen what ordinary people are not privy to, and that would inform his decision whether or not to reshuffle his ministers,” he said.

This discussion rises amids public speculation that the President is likely to reshuffle some ministers sooner than later.