Government Spokesperson and Member of Parliament for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama is going to reduce the number of staff at the Presidency.

Speaking during a radio interview on the Kokrokoo Morning show on Peace FM, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated that the move is part of deliberate efforts by President John Dramani Mahama to cut down the expenditure on government appointees.

In a recent statement to all government officials, President John Dramani Mahama has directed that boards of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other public institutions should immediately stop undertaking international travel for training, conferences, retreats, and study tours at the expense of the State.

A directive issued from the Office of the President in Accra on Thursday, March 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, said the decision follows concerns about the rising frequency and cost of such trips, which often involve multiple board members and extended itineraries.

The statement explained that the expenses associated with airfares, accommodation, per diems, and other logistics have placed avoidable pressure on the public purse at a time when the government was pursuing fiscal discipline and prudent public financial management.

While acknowledging the importance of continuous learning and exposure to international best practices, the Presidency noted that the growing trend of overseas travel by boards had raised serious concerns regarding the responsible use of public resources.

Reacting to the press statement, the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said, “The political staff at the presidency has been reduced by 100”. This is in addition to the earlier directive halting ‘unnecessary’ travels by CEOs and Board Members of state-owned institutions.