Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has directed the immediate removal of all fuel allowances and fuel allocations for political appointees in a move aimed at cutting government expenditure.
The directive, issued on Monday, takes effect immediately and applies across all ministries, departments, and agencies.
The announcement was formally communicated by the Minister for Information, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who noted that the measure forms part of broader efforts to streamline government operations and reduce fiscal pressure on the national budget.
According to the statement, all political appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs), and other senior officials will no longer receive fuel benefits traditionally allocated to them as part of their service packages.
“This is part of a comprehensive austerity program aimed at ensuring prudent management of public resources and restoring fiscal discipline,” the statement read.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) welcomed the move, describing it as a step in the right direction toward public sector efficiency.
In a statement, COPEC Executive Director Duncan Amoah praised the administration’s willingness to make sacrifices at the top level, urging the government to channel the saved resources into critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers have criticized the move as politically motivated. Some members of the Minority in Parliament labeled the directive a “populist gesture” lacking a clear implementation framework, warning that without adequate monitoring mechanisms, the policy could prove ineffective.
However, ruling party MPs and governance analysts have lauded the move, describing it as a bold demonstration of leadership at a time when the country is working to stabilize its economy and regain investor confidence.
This policy shift also comes amid growing public concern over the increase of government spending, with many citizens calling for increased transparency and accountability in public service spending.
It remains unclear whether similar measures will be extended to other benefits enjoyed by government officials.
The Office of the President has yet to provide details on how compliance will be enforced or what sanctions, if any, will apply to breaches of the directive.
