The John Mahama-led government has come under scrutiny for its allocation of GHC2.7 billion for office machinery compensation, a staggering amount that has raised eyebrows among critics.
The Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, speaking on Good Evening Ghana on Metro TV, said “Office of Government Machinery, compensation alone is GHC 2.7 billion. That means salary.”
Dr Boako’s statement highlights the stark contrast between the Mahama government’s allocation and that of the previous Akufo-Addo administration, which spent a mere GHC327 million on compensation for 2024.
He pointed out, “They saidPresident Akufo-Addo’s government was bloated, hiding so many people, paying salaries, allowances, and all of that, yet compensation that was spent by President Akufo-Addo for 2024 was 327 million.”
The allocation of GHC2.7 billion for office machinery compensation has sparked concerns about the government’s priorities and fiscal responsibility.
Dr Boako’s criticism of the government’s decision is scathing: “Now you come and say that you want to run a lean government, you are not increasing the staff at the office of the president, yet you are seeking to spend GHC2.7 billion on compensation.”
Furthermore, Dr Boako drew attention to the government’s communication budget, which allocates GHC8 million for compensation, GHC70 million for capital expenditure, and GHC78 million for government communication outfits.
He cries out “There’s no ministry. I mean, he’s a minister of state. One person… So four people are spending GHC8 million.”
The Research Department at the office of the president has also been allocated a substantial budget, with GHC50 million for goods and services and GHC20 million for the capital.
Dr Gideon Boako added, “Maybe they want to buy cars… The research department at the office of the president, like Dr. Owusu Mensah used to do, Research Department at the office of the President, goods, and services, President Mahama is seeking to give them GHC 50 million for goods and services.”
The sheer scale of these allocations has raised questions about the government’s priorities and its ability to manage public finances effectively.
However, Dr Boako concluded, “This is bigger than two or three ministries combined together under a good father’s government.”
-BY Daniel Bampoe
