The flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has pledged to cap ministerial appointments at 50 if elected as Ghana’s next president.

He made the revelation during the NPP’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on Sunday, August 18, where he stressed the importance of efficient governance.

The Vice President stated that a leaner government can be more effective.

“I will have no more than 50 ministers in my government,” Dr Bawumia declared, stressing his commitment to streamlining the government’s structure for better efficiency.

In addition, he unveiled plans to shift from outright purchases to leasing essential goods, such as vehicles and printing equipment, as part of a broader strategy to cut maintenance costs and save the government substantial amounts of money annually.

“This approach will not only reduce waste but also incentivize the private sector to invest in expansion and job creation,” Dr. Bawumia explained.

“My government will move towards leasing rather than outright purchase of goods like vehicles and printing equipment, with the private sector taking on the responsibility for maintenance.

"This strategy will enable the budget to save significant cash expenditure annually across various ministries.”

On July 8, the NDC flagbearer, John Mahama, reiterated his commitment to drastically reduce the size of government if he becomes president.

In one of his Mahama Conversations with the media in Accra, he criticised the Akufo-Addo government for having bloated appointees of ministers and deputy ministers.

This the former President said has led to economic mismanagement.

Read also: Mahama pledges lean, highly efficient government to curb expenditure

For his part, Mr Mahama said, “I will run a lean, highly effective, and efficient government of no more than 60 ministers and deputy ministers”.

He stressed that this promise demonstrates his genuine commitment to curbing government expenditure.

“My leaner government will be the cleanest government Ghana has ever experienced. It will serve Ghanaians far better and set higher standards for future governments. What we have now can never be and should never be a yardstick,” he stated.