Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has said President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to reduce the size of the government was aimed at promoting fiscal discipline rather than gaining political advantage.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review in Parliament on Thursday, July 24, Dr Forson said the Mahama administration had reduced the number of ministers from a peak of 123 under the previous government to 60.
He added that the number of ministries had also been cut from 30 to 23 as part of efforts to improve government efficiency and reduce the cost of administration.
“Mr Speaker, we reduced the number of ministers from 123 at its peak to 60 and also reduced ministries from 30 to 23 because a leaner government is not only for politics but also a sound fiscal policy,” Dr Forson stated.
The Finance Minister explained that the reduction forms part of government’s broader fiscal consolidation agenda aimed at ensuring prudent management of public resources.
According to him, lowering the cost of governance will help create fiscal space for priority investments while supporting efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability.
Dr Forson stressed that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to building a more efficient and financially responsible government.
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