By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), Jan. 10, GNA – Ghanaians have expressed varied opinions on a proposed amendment to Article 78 (2) of the 1992 Constitution seeking to cap the total number of Ministers of State, including Deputy and Regional Ministers, at 57.
Mr Frank Adjei-Worlanyo, a teacher at Kadjebi in the Oti Region, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that he fully supported the proposal, describing it as sound in principle and reflective of a growing national consensus.
He noted that ahead of the 2024 general election, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) publicly committed to reducing the size of government to 50 and 60 ministers respectively.
According to him, the bipartisan commitments underscore a shared understanding that an effective and efficient government can function with a leaner and more focused ministerial team.
Mr Adjei-Worlanyo explained that practical mechanisms already exist to support the reduction, as ministries are staffed with capable Directors and Technical Directors who can perform many of the administrative and supervisory duties currently handled by Deputy Ministers.
He added that adopting the cap would promote fiscal discipline and prudent governance by significantly reducing public expenditure associated with an oversized ministerial portfolio.
Mr Prosper Kofi Afealete, a public servant at Dzodze in the Volta Region, also welcomed the proposal, describing it as appropriate for the country’s present and future development needs.
He said capping the number of ministers would reduce duplication of roles and empower Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to operate more effectively in addressing local development challenges.
Mr Afealete noted that the reduction would save public funds and strengthen state institutions by making them more responsive, visible, and efficient.
Ms Victoria Enyonam Klugah, a Kadjebi-based gender activist, however, expressed a different view, suggesting that the proposed cap was inadequate.
“In my view, the minimum should be 50 and the maximum 80,” she said, explaining that a higher ceiling could help reduce workload pressures and enhance effective governance.
Mr Solomon Lotsu, an agriculturist at Kpando in the Volta Region, also backed the proposal, describing the current size of government as a major drain on the national budget.
The Constitution Review Committee (CRC) has recommended an amendment to Article 78 (2) to stipulate that the total number of Ministers of State, including Deputy and Regional Ministers, should not exceed three times the number of Cabinet Ministers.
Under Article 76 (1) of the Constitution, the number of Cabinet Ministers is capped at 19, meaning the total number of Ministers of State would not exceed 57.
The Committee has also recommended that the President should no longer appoint Deputy Regional Ministers.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Audrey Dekalu
