Public sector workers, Municipal Metropolitans and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been asked not to give out hampers to their stakeholders this Christmas.

Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta announced this decision on Thursday while presenting the 2023 Budget in Parliament.

The decision forms part of the government’s measures to rationalise its expenditures in the wake of the prevailing economic hardship.

“There shall be no hampers for 2022,” the Minister stated.

Mr. Ofori-Atta further announced the ban on the printing of diaries, notepads and calendars by MMDAs and SOEs from 2024.

“There shall be no printing of diaries, notepads, calendars and other promotional merchandise by MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs for 2024,” he added.

“All non-critical projects must be suspended for the 2023 financial year.”

The Minister said the move is geared towards expenditure rationalisation, in the wake of the economic woes.

In addition to the reduction in expenditure, MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs have been directed to reduce fuel allocations by 50% to government appointees.

“All MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs are directed to reduce fuel allocations to Political Appointees and heads of MDAs, MMDAs and SOEs by 50%. This directive applies to all methods of fuel allocation including coupons, electronic cards, chit systems, and fuel depots. Accordingly, 50% of the previous year’s (2022) budget allocation for fuel shall be earmarked for official business pertaining to MDAs, MMDAs, and SOEs,” he directed.