President Mahama reduces Ministries from 30 to 23 for better efficiency

In a bold move to streamline governance and improve efficiency, President John Dramani Mahama has reduced the number of ministries in Ghana from 30 to 23. This decision comes as part of his commitment to creating a leaner and more effective government, while fulfilling his promise of maintaining no more than 60 ministers.

The reduction in ministries is designed to enhance the overall functioning of the government, ensuring that resources are better allocated and services delivered more efficiently to the public.

On January 9, 2025, President Mahama issued an executive order that empowered him to restructure the ministries under the Civil Service Act, 1993 (P.N.D.C.L 327). This restructuring, which is reflected in the latest executive instrument, has resulted in the merging and abolishment of several ministries, while the key areas of government focus remain intact.

The new list of ministries under the revised structure includes:

1. Ministry of Finance
2. Ministry of Health
3. Ministry of Interior
4. Ministry of Defence
5. Ministry of Education
6. Ministry of Roads and Highways
7. Ministry of Transport
8. Ministry of Sports and Recreation
9. Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice
10. Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources
11. Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs
12. Ministry of Foreign Affairs
13. Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations
14. Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology
15. Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
16. Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources
17. Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection
18. Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts
19. Ministry of Labour, Jobs, and Employment
20. Ministry of Food and Agriculture
21. Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture
22. Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry

As part of this restructuring, President Mahama also revoked the Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2021 (E.I 12), marking a significant shift in the way Ghana's ministries will function moving forward.

This reduction reflects the president's focus on creating a more agile government, improving service delivery, and ensuring that Ghana's resources are managed efficiently in a time when greater accountability and effectiveness are needed in public administration. With this new structure, President Mahama aims to foster a government that can better respond to the needs of its citizens while remaining lean and effective in a rapidly changing global landscape.