The administration of President John Dramani Mahama has implemented a drastic cost-cutting measure at the Jubilee House, the seat of government, by cancelling all paid television subscriptions in a bid to demonstrate fiscal prudence.
This decisive move has resulted in significant monthly savings of approximately GH₵120,000—funds the government plans to redirect toward more pressing national development needs.
The revelation was made by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, during an interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the decision forms part of a broader strategy by the Mahama-led government to curb what it identifies as wasteful public expenditure, particularly within the presidency.
The discovery of the substantial spending emerged during a comprehensive review of the operational costs inherited upon assuming office.
“When we came to the Jubilee House, there were multiple subscriptions in addition to the local channels that we watched,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed. “When we took stock and did the calculations, we realised we were spending about GH₵120,000 monthly just on satellite subscriptions. President Mahama has cancelled all of that.”
This monthly saving translates into an impressive GH₵1.44 million annually—a substantial sum in the context of Ghana’s national budget and ongoing fiscal challenges.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu passionately questioned the rationale behind such lavish spending on entertainment when critical community needs remain unmet.
He drew a stark contrast to illustrate the administration’s new priorities.
“There are communities where a broken water pump costing GH₵1,000 is all that stands between them and access to clean water. Yet, here we were spending GH₵120,000 just to watch TV,” he stated, noting that the monthly savings could repair 120 such water pumps—or 1,440 annually—providing essential services to hundreds of thousands of Ghanaians.
The administration is actively promoting this cancellation as a tangible example of its commitment to fiscal discipline.
The move sends a clear message that resources, particularly at the highest levels of government, will be rigorously scrutinised and redirected to more impactful and essential areas of national development.
It also aims to build public trust by demonstrating that every cedi counts in the quest for a more efficient and responsive government.