NPP’s Haruna Mohammed Scores Mahama Government 1 Out of 10 Over Spending Concerns

Introduction

In a sharp critique of fiscal governance, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed has given the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration a failing grade of 1 out of 10 for its economic management. Speaking on Channel One TV on Saturday, January 10, 2026, Mr. Mohammed accused the Mahama-led government of excessive public spending, contradicting its claim of operating a “lean government.” The assessment centers on budgetary figures from Appendix 4A of the 2025 Budget, which reveal that the Office of Government Machinery and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are projected to spend approximately GH₵2.7 billion. This contrasts sharply with GH₵326.9 million spent under the previous administration, despite the earlier government’s larger size. This article examines the key points of the critique, provides background on the spending claims, analyzes the data, and offers practical advice for citizens and policymakers.

Key Points

Background

What Is the Office of Government Machinery?

The Office of Government Machinery (OGM) refers to the administrative and operational structures that support the executive branch of government. It includes central coordination units, political appointees, and oversight bodies that facilitate policy implementation across ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). The MMDAs are local government structures responsible for service delivery at the district level.

Context of the ‘Lean Government’ Promise

The current administration has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to a “lean government,” a policy aimed at reducing the size of the public sector, eliminating redundancies, and improving efficiency. This initiative was introduced as a response to concerns about bloated public payrolls and inefficiencies in service delivery. However, critics argue that the promise of a lean government has not translated into proportional cost savings.

Historical Spending Trends

Under the previous administration, the OGM and MMDAs collectively spent GH₵326.9 million. This figure was often cited by opposition parties as evidence of fiscal profligacy due to the large number of political appointees. The current government reduced the number of appointees but saw a significant increase in associated costs, raising questions about the effectiveness of the lean government strategy.

Analysis

Breakdown of the GH₵2.7 Billion Expenditure

According to Appendix 4A of the 2025 Budget, the Office of Government Machinery and MMDAs are allocated GH₵2,711,180,829. This represents an increase of over 700% compared to the previous administration’s spending. The allocation covers salaries, allowances, operational costs, and administrative overheads for political appointees and local government structures.

Fiscal Discipline and Transparency Concerns

Mr. Mohammed’s critique highlights a fundamental issue: the disconnect between policy rhetoric and fiscal outcomes. While the government claims to have reduced the number of appointees, the cost per appointee appears to have increased significantly. This raises concerns about:

• Salary structures and allowances for political appointees.
• Lack of transparency in budgetary allocations.
• Insufficient oversight of public expenditure.

Impact on Public Trust

Excessive spending on administrative structures, especially during a period of economic challenges, risks eroding public trust. Citizens expect efficient use of resources, particularly when essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure face funding constraints. The perception of wasteful spending can fuel public discontent and undermine the government’s legitimacy.

Comparison with Previous Administration

The previous administration’s expenditure of GH₵326.9 million on OGM and MMDAs was criticized for inefficiency. However, the current administration’s spending of GH₵2.7 billion, despite a smaller structure, suggests that cost-saving measures have not been effective. This discrepancy warrants a thorough audit and review of expenditure policies.

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

• Conduct an independent audit of OGM and MMDA expenditures to identify inefficiencies.
• Implement transparent salary structures for political appointees.
• Establish performance benchmarks for administrative units to ensure accountability.
• Review the lean government policy to align rhetoric with fiscal outcomes.

For Citizens

• Engage with budgetary processes through public forums and consultations.
• Demand transparency in government spending through Freedom of Information requests.
• Support civil society organizations that monitor public expenditure.
• Participate in elections to hold leaders accountable for fiscal management.

For Media and Watchdogs

• Investigate and report on discrepancies between policy promises and fiscal outcomes.
• Publish comparative analyses of government spending across administrations.
• Facilitate public debates on fiscal policy and governance efficiency.
• Collaborate with international organizations to benchmark Ghana’s spending against global standards.

FAQ

Conclusion

Haruna Mohammed’s scathing critique of the Mahama government’s fiscal management underscores a critical issue in Ghana’s governance: the gap between policy promises and fiscal realities. While the administration has championed a “lean government,” the evidence suggests that spending on administrative structures has increased dramatically. This discrepancy not only undermines public trust but also raises questions about the effectiveness of current fiscal policies. To restore confidence and ensure efficient use of resources, the government must prioritize transparency, accountability, and genuine cost-saving measures. Citizens, media, and civil society must remain vigilant in holding leaders accountable for their fiscal decisions.