Appiah-Kubi urges Mahama to reconsider 60-Minister pledge if governance demands

Andy Kwame Appiah-Kubi, the immediate past Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to reassess his campaign promise of limiting the number of ministers to 60, should the demands of governance require otherwise.

Speaking on TV3 on January 11, 2025, Appiah-Kubi acknowledged the appeal of a lean government but emphasized that it should not hinder the country’s progress.

“Let Mr. Mahama consider that campaign message as presidential candidate then. Now he is our President, let him think presidential. If for any reason he thinks that Ghana cannot do with 60 ministers, let him do what is good for the country,” Appiah-Kubi stated.

He also drew comparisons to former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who modified his campaign promises once in office, after grappling with the complexities of governance.

He further advised Ghanaians to remain adaptable, understanding that campaign commitments may need to be adjusted when faced with the realities of leadership.

“I cited also President Kufuor, who before he became President, gave out certain indices. He came to be a President, and the realities dawned on him that what he was talking about in his capacity as a presidential candidate was different from what he was seeing in his seat as President,” he explained.

While advocating for a lean government to help reduce state expenditure, Appiah-Kubi emphasized that national interest should always take precedence over sticking rigidly to campaign pledges.

“Indeed, bringing us a lean government is a policy that I admire and respect, but let us not hold him to it,” he added.