Relieve Ato Forson of Defence Position to Offer Protection to Fiscal Discipline: Franklin Cudjoe to Mahama

Introduction

In the early days of the John Dramani Mahama administration, a critical debate regarding the structure of the executive cabinet has emerged from the policy think tank IMANI-Africa. Franklin Cudjoe, the President of IMANI-Africa, has publicly appealed to President Mahama to reconsider the dual portfolio assignment of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Currently serving as both the Finance Minister and the Acting Defence Minister, Dr. Forson’s workload has raised concerns regarding the nation’s ability to maintain strict fiscal discipline. As Ghana prepares for the rollout of major government initiatives in 2026, including the much-anticipated “Big Push,” Cudjoe argues that the Finance Minister requires undivided attention to safeguard the public purse. This article analyzes the implications of holding dual ministerial portfolios, the risks of inefficiency in public financial management, and the necessity of specialized oversight in governance.

Key Points

Background

The context of this recommendation stems from the transition of power to President John Dramani Mahama and the subsequent appointment of his cabinet. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, a seasoned economist and legislator, was entrusted with the critical portfolio of Finance Minister. However, in a temporary or acting capacity, he was also assigned the responsibilities of the Defence Minister.

This dual assignment comes at a time when Ghana’s economy is at a pivotal juncture. The government is preparing to launch significant executive tasks and infrastructure projects in 2026. These initiatives, collectively referred to as the “Big Push,” are expected to require massive capital expenditure. In his social media post, Franklin Cudjoe acknowledged that President Mahama has made a “good start” with his appointments. However, he emphasized that the sheer scale of the upcoming economic activities necessitates that the Finance Minister be free from other “distractions” to ensure the success of these programs.

Analysis

The core of Franklin Cudjoe’s argument rests on the concept of cognitive load and administrative capacity within government.

The Dangers of Dual Portfolios

Managing the Ministry of Finance is arguably one of the most demanding roles in any government. It requires constant engagement with economic data, international monetary bodies, domestic revenue agencies, and the budgeting process. Adding the oversight of the Ministry of Defence—a sector that involves complex procurement, security logistics, and strategic planning—creates a recipe for administrative burnout.

Cudjoe warns that overburdening senior officials leads to specific negative outcomes: inefficiency and weak oversight. When a Minister is stretched too thin, the details of procurement processes are often glossed over. This creates an environment where corruption risks increase, and value for money is not rigorously pursued. In the context of large-scale infrastructure systems, even minor oversights can lead to billions of cedis in losses.

Fiscal Discipline vs. Strategic Spending

The term “fiscal discipline” refers to the government’s ability to manage its finances responsibly, avoiding excessive debt and ensuring that spending aligns with revenue. Dr. Ato Forson is known for his stance on maintaining strict fiscal controls. However, Cudjoe argues that this discipline cannot be maintained if the Finance Minister is distracted by the operational demands of the Defence sector.

With the “Big Push” initiatives on the horizon, the Finance Minister must be the primary gatekeeper of public funds. He needs to evaluate the economic viability of projects and ensure that the 2026 budget is realistic. Splitting his focus compromises his ability to perform this gatekeeping function effectively.

Proactive Oversight Mechanisms

Beyond the removal of the Defence portfolio, Cudjoe’s analysis extends to structural reform. He identifies a gap in the current governance framework: the lack of a centralized, independent body for risk assessment. By proposing the appointment of an Administrator-General or Assessor-General, he suggests creating a specialized office within the Cabinet. This office would not be involved in the political execution of projects but would act as an auditor-in-waiting, conducting risk analysis before projects are even greenlit. This shifts the paradigm from reactive accountability (investigations after the fact) to proactive prevention.

Practical Advice

For government stakeholders, policy analysts, and citizens interested in public financial management, the following practical steps derived from Cudjoe’s recommendations are essential for ensuring good governance:

For the Presidency

• Review Cabinet Portfolios: Immediately assess the workload of Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. If the Defence Minister role is not urgent, appoint a dedicated Minister or a Deputy to handle the portfolio full-time.
• Protect the Finance Ministry: Ensure that the Finance Minister’s schedule is cleared for macroeconomic planning and budget formulation.

For Institutional Strengthening

• Establish the Assessor-General Office: Draft the legal framework to create an independent oversight body within the Cabinet Office. This body should be staffed by senior civil servants with technical expertise in project management and risk.
• Mandate Pre-Project Analysis: Make risk assessments mandatory for all major government projects before they are presented for cabinet approval or procurement.

For Civil Society and Media

• Monitor Procurement: Given the warning about inefficiency, civil society organizations should intensify monitoring of public procurement, particularly in the infrastructure and defense sectors.
• Advocate for Specialization: Support the call for specialized roles in government to ensure that complex sectors are managed by experts with the bandwidth to handle them.

FAQ

Conclusion

The recommendation by Franklin Cudjoe and IMANI-Africa serves as a timely reminder of the importance of specialization and focus in public administration. While President Mahama’s decision to assign Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson dual roles may have been intended to consolidate authority or bridge a transition, the economic realities of 2026 demand a different approach. Protecting the Finance Minister from the operational demands of the Defence Ministry is not just about administrative convenience; it is a strategic necessity for maintaining fiscal discipline. Furthermore, the proposal for an independent Assessor-General highlights a growing need for structural checks and balances that prevent waste before it happens. By heeding this advice, the government can position itself to execute its “Big Push” initiatives with efficiency, transparency, and financial integrity.

Sources

• IMANI-Africa: Policy statements and press releases regarding public financial management in Ghana.
• Franklin Cudjoe: Official social media posts and public commentary on the Mahama administration’s cabinet structure.
• Life Pulse Daily: Original reporting on the appeal to President Mahama regarding Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s dual roles.
• Ghana Government Structure: General knowledge regarding the roles of the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Defence.