Ghana Scraps Fuel Allowance for Political Appointees

In a decisive move to curb public spending, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has eliminated fuel allowances and allocations for all political appointees under his administration.

The directive, which takes immediate effect, was announced on Tuesday, July 15, through an official statement signed by Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu.

According to the statement, the cut is part of a larger plan to redirect public funds to key development sectors.

President Mahama’s administration is determined to promote fiscal discipline and reduce the cost of governance at a time when economic pressures continue to affect many citizens.

“This latest cost-cutting measure follows sweeping reductions in the size of government through the appointment of fewer ministers and a leaner staff at the Office of the President,” the statement read.

As part of the new directive, the government has also canceled all satellite TV subscriptions at the Presidency and across other government institutions.

This, according to the presidency, is a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the public.

“The President believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make,” the statement added.

These actions reflect Mahama’s growing emphasis on shared sacrifice.

In recent weeks, his administration has made a series of austerity decisions to reflect Ghana’s economic challenges.

Among them is the reduction of ministerial appointments and the downsizing of staff at the Office of the President.

Political observers believe these measures could help rebuild public trust, especially as the country navigates a period of economic difficulty.

By tightening spending within the top tiers of government, Mahama aims to show that accountability and leadership by example remain central to his administration.

This move comes as many Ghanaians continue to express frustration over the rising cost of living and the perception that government officials live lavishly at public expense.

Scrapping fuel benefits for top officials may signal a broader shift in governance priorities.

Critics, however, are watching to see whether the policy will be strictly enforced or quietly reversed in the coming months.

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