Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, claims President John Mahama has appointed 100 ministers and deputy ministers, contradicting his promise of a lean government.
He argues these appointments, including numerous presidential advisors and regional staffers, strain the national treasury.
"President Mahama has formed arguably one of the largest governments in the history of our country in terms of cost to the national exchequer. Why do I say this? Take, for example, the appointment of Dr. Valerie Sawyer as Senior Presidential Advisor in charge of government affairs. Her rank is equivalent to that of a cabinet minister who also serves as a Member of Parliament. This means her salary, emoluments, and conditions of service are the same as those of a cabinet minister who is also an MP.
"Mr. Speaker, the President has appointed a Presidential Advisor on the Economy, a Presidential Advisor on the 24-hour Economy, a Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the President, a Presidential Advisor on the National Anti-Corruption Programme, and a Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs," he stated.
He continued: “Mr. Speaker, he has also appointed a Presidential Advisor, a Presidential Staffer and Special Aide to the Vice President, a Presidential Staffer for the Black Star Experience, and a Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs. Additionally, he has appointed five policy advisors to the Vice President.”
Watch below, Samuel Abu Jinapor claims in parliament
