Dr. Jonathan Asante Okyere, a senior lecturer at Cape Coast University and political analyst, has expressed interest in the modest governance of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by former president John Dramani Mahama.
He suggested that the number of ministers as suggested by the NDC flagbearer could be reduced as a cost-saving measure.
According to Dr. Asante Okyere, good governance and transparency are not about having an excessive number of ministers, which he considers a waste of money.
Instead, they involve maintaining the social contract and enhancing the government’s ability to grow the economy for the benefit of all citizens.
He noted that the NDC government had reduced the number of ministers by 85% during their term, demonstrating their capability for cost-effective governance.
Dr. Jonathan criticized the excessive public expenditure, describing it as unnecessary government expansion. He emphasized that the NDC, under former President Mahama, would not irresponsibly maintain a needlessly large government.
“At one point, we had over 120 ministers in government, with hundreds of political appointees at the presidency and other state organizations,” he remarked.
Although the current President has reduced this number, Dr. Asante Okyere believes there is still room for further reductions, including merging some ministries to cut costs.
In an interview on Ahoto FM’s morning show Ade kye Mu Nsem, Dr. Jonathan responded to the NDC’s Tamale Tour by highlighting their commitment to honesty and accountability in governance. He also discussed plans to tackle the high unemployment rate by introducing a 24-hour employment policy.
The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) officially launched its 2024 election campaign on Saturday, July 27, 2024, in Tamale, Northern Region. The campaign involved all party members at all levels to ensure the integrity of the ballot boxes and encourage party agents and executives to remain accessible and engaged throughout the voting and counting processes for a free and fair election.
Story By Linda Yeboah/ Ahotoronline.com
