The Constitutional Review Commission (CRC) has thrown its weight behind President John Dramani Mahama’s reset agenda of ministerial appointments, recommending bold constitutional reforms to streamline governance and curb executive expansion.
Central to its proposals is a firm cap on the total number of ministers, set at 57, including Deputy Ministers and Regional Ministers.
The recommendation forms part of sweeping governance reforms submitted to President Mahama as Ghana pushes for stronger accountability, reduced government expenditure, and enhanced administrative efficiency.
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Leaner government
The proposal stems from an amendment to Article 78(2), which already caps cabinet ministers at 19 under Article 76(1). The CRC proposes that the total number of ministers appointed should not exceed three times the cabinet size.
“The total number of Ministers of State, including Deputy Ministers and Regional Ministers, shall not exceed 57,” the Committee emphasised, stressing the need to minimise bureaucracy and ensure a more result-oriented executive machinery.
The Commission further recommended that the position of Deputy Regional Ministers be abolished, arguing that the role has outlived its relevance under modern governance standards.
Reset Vision
By endorsing key elements of President Mahama’s reset agenda, the CRC underscored the need to rebuild and reposition state institutions for greater efficiency. The Commission noted that Ghana’s governance framework must evolve to reflect fiscal discipline and effective public administration.
The move aligns strongly with public demands for a smaller government and a more accountable executive, particularly amid economic pressures and calls for prudent leadership.
Accountability and oversight
The CRC’s recommendations also emphasise stricter accountability measures. In addition to capping ministerial numbers, it has proposed that ministers censured by Parliament must be removed and barred from reappointment within the same term — a move expected to reinforce parliamentary oversight and deter abuse of office.
The recommendations are expected to trigger extensive public, parliamentary and policy debate as Ghana contemplates significant constitutional restructuring. If adopted, the reforms could redefine the country’s governance landscape for years to come.