President Mahama cancels payment of fuel allowances to all appointees

 

In a bold move to curb government expenditure, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cancellation of fuel allowances and fuel for all political appointees under the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.

The directive, announced in an official statement issued by the Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, is part of a broader strategy to cut down on public spending and redirect national resources toward critical development priorities.

“President John Dramani Mahama has, effective immediately, directed the cancellation of payment of fuel allowances and allocation of fuel to all political appointees,” the statement read. “The directive forms part of a broader curb in government expenditure aimed at cutting cost and channelling public funds into priority areas.”

According to Kwakye Ofosu, this latest measure builds on earlier cost-cutting policies already being implemented by the Mahama administration. These include a reduction in the size of government through fewer ministerial appointments and a freeze on certain operational expenses—such as the suspension of satellite television subscriptions for offices at the Presidency and other government institutions.

“The President believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make,” the statement emphasized.

The decision is expected to affect all categories of political appointees, including ministers, deputy ministers, presidential staffers, and heads of government agencies, sparking discussions about fiscal discipline, equity in governance, and shared national sacrifice.

Analysts see the move as part of President Mahama’s broader “reset agenda,” which seeks to realign government priorities, rebuild trust in public institutions, and demonstrate a commitment to responsible governance amid growing economic pressures.

While reactions are still pouring in, some civil society organizations and political observers have praised the decision as a step in the right direction, calling for even more transparency and austerity measures to ensure government resources are used effectively.