Prez Mahama Cancels Fuel Allowances for Appointees in New Cost-Cutting Drive
In a bid to rein in government spending, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cancellation of fuel allowances and fuel allocations to all political appointees.
The directive, announced in a press statement issued by the Presidency, is part of a broader government effort to cut costs and redirect public funds into priority sectors of the economy.
According to the release signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the president believes that “leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make.”
This latest measure adds to a string of cost-cutting decisions taken by the Mahama administration, including a reduction in the number of ministers and presidential staffers. The government has also halted all satellite television subscriptions for offices at the Presidency and other public institutions as part of this austerity drive.
Analysts see the move as both symbolic and strategic, particularly at a time when Ghanaians are feeling the pinch of high living costs and increasing calls for responsible fiscal management.
While some political observers have applauded the move as a step in the right direction, others say the long-term impact will depend on how savings from the cuts are channeled into social interventions and productive investments.
The cancellation of fuel allocations, often seen as a significant perk for public office holders, is expected to save the state millions of cedis annually and send a strong signal about the administration’s intent to prioritize value-for-money governance.
The Presidency has not yet indicated whether further austerity measures are on the horizon. However, the tone of the statement suggests that more reforms may be forthcoming as part of Mahama’s broader economic restructuring agenda.
