Downsize your gov't, it's 'obscene' - CDD tells Akufo-Addo

The Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has implored President Nana Akufo-Addo to downsize his government from the unprecedented 110 ministers and deputy ministers.

The think-tank in a statement Thursday said the President's action sets a "negative record for a country infamous for its oversized ministerial teams."

CDD-Ghana described the move as "obscene" because the United States, a country that is economically and financially strong has only 46 ministers. Also, India, one of the most populated countries in the world with a population of 1.3 billion, has 75 ministers.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

The President on Wednesday appointed 54 additional ministers in addition to 36 substantive ministers. This brings to 110 the total number of ministers serving in the government if they are successfully approved by parliament.

The decision has been condemned widely by sections of Ghanaians, civil societies and political opponents.

NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, condemned the President for bloating the size of his government adding he can go ahead and appoint "1-minister for every district, and 1-minister for every constituency."

NDC General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia

But Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid, in response to criticisms said the President had not promised a "lean government" during his 2016 campaign.

He entreated Ghanaians to consider the integrity and honesty the appointees are bringing on board to improve on the country's economy and not the numbers.

CDD-Ghana, which is one of the governance think-tanks in the country, wants the President to reconsider his decision since his "appointments betray inadequate sensitivity to the weak fiscal condition of the country."

Information Minister, Mustapha Hamid

"It is difficult to see how appointing such a large number of ministers, who will all be on ministerial salaries and benefits, can possibly amount to the promise of protecting the public purse," CDD-Ghana said.

It has urged the President to "reduce the number of deputy ministerial nominees sent to Parliament for vetting and approval; and …to publish the salaries and emoluments of all appointed public office holders."

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