President John Dramani Mahama (R) and Alexander Afenyo-Markin (L)
The Minority Leader Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin has taken a swipe at President John Dramani Mahama for the appointments made in his administration.
Expressing his views, Afenyo-Markin stated that the president had promised a lean government with fewer ministers, even claiming to have achieved that goal.
However, he argued that the president has ultimately appointed more presidential staffers, a move he believes is unprecedented.
The Member of Parliament for Effutu further expressed concern over the establishment of numerous committees since the president and his government assumed office.
“The president says he has delivered less ministers but it is clear that his strategy is if less, more divide. You have appointed few ministers but more presidential staffers and committees,” he expressed on the floor of parliament during the SONA on February 27, 2025.
Afenyo-Markin asserted that the president’s strategy regarding his promise of a lean government appears to be undermined, as the appointment of additional presidential staffers is now a key component of his administration.
His comments follow President Mahama’s declaration of his decision to significantly reduce costs by limiting the number of presidential staffers to be appointed at the Jubilee House under his administration.
According to President Mahama, previous administrations witnessed an increase in the number of staff at the presidency, resulting in unnecessary expenditure, something he would not repeat.
“We cannot continue to run a government where the cost of administration outweighs the benefits to the people. My government will take decisive steps to reduce the number of presidential staffers to promote efficiency and accountability.
“A smaller, more competent team is what we need to drive our development agenda. We must cut down on bureaucracy and focus on delivering results that positively impact the lives of Ghanaians,” President Mahama assured.
Afenyo-Markin’s statements were strongly contested by the Majority side of the House, who expressed their disagreement with the lawmaker.
MAG/EK
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