By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate scrapping of fuel allowance and fuel allocations for all political appointees as part of measures to reduce government expenditure.
The Spokesperson to the President and Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in a statement, said the decision aligned with broader efforts to streamline governance and foster fiscal discipline.
He said the administration aims to lead by example in making sacrifices, especially as the government called on citizens to endure economic challenges.
The directive follows earlier austerity measures, including a reduction in the number of ministers and presidential staff, as well as the discontinuation of satellite TV subscriptions for offices at the Presidency and other government facilities.
President Mahama’s administration has repeatedly stressed the need for prudent financial management amid global and domestic economic pressures.
According to the minister, the scrapping of fuel benefits for appointees was expected to save millions of cedis annually, which would be reallocated to critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.
This is not the first time the Mahama administration has implemented cost-saving measures.
Since assuming office, the government has pursued policies aimed at reducing waste and improving efficiency in public expenditure.
Ofosu stated that the latest decision was expected to reinforce public confidence in the administration’s commitment to fiscal responsibility.
