President John Dramani Mahama has announced a significant administrative restructuring aimed at improving government efficiency and addressing emerging national priorities. The number of ministries has been reduced from 29 to 23 under the new Civil Service (Ministries) Instrument, 2025 (E.I. 1), signed on January 9, 2025. This Executive Instrument replaces the previous 2021 arrangement (E.I. 12) and sets a framework for streamlined governance.
Key Ministry Restructuring and Innovations
The reorganization has introduced several changes, including the establishment of new ministries and the consolidation of roles. Notably, the Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment has been created, separating "Youth" from Sports, which is now the Ministry of Sports and Recreation. Similarly, the Ministry of Energy has been rebranded as the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, emphasizing the government's focus on sustainable energy initiatives.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations replaces the former Ministry of Communications, incorporating innovation from the Environment, Science, and Technology portfolio. Additionally, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs have been merged with Local Government, forming the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs.
Revoked Ministries
As part of the streamlining effort, several ministries have been dissolved or integrated into others. These include:
Ministry of Information
Ministry of National Security
Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
Ministry of Railway Development
Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources
Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (now merged with Local Government)
The New 23 Ministries
The revised structure includes ministries such as:
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Energy and Green Transition
Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations
Ministry of Youth Development and Empowerment
Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs
Ministry of Sports and Recreation
…and more, focusing on priority areas like gender equality, tourism, and trade.
Commitment to a Lean Government
President Mahama reiterated his pledge to maintain a lean government with only 60 ministers, despite thousands of applicants expressing interest in serving. Speaking at a Presidential Dinner in Accra on January 8, 2025, he emphasized the importance of assembling a capable team to address the country’s challenges, including economic recovery and technological advancement.
Next Steps
The President has already submitted the first set of ministerial nominations to Parliament, fulfilling constitutional requirements. Key nominees include Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson as Minister for Finance, Mr. John Abdulai Jinapor for Energy, and Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice.
This restructuring underscores President Mahama’s commitment to effective governance, sustainability, and innovation, setting the stage for long-term national development.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0