The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed concerns about President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to limit his administration to 60 ministers, suggesting it may not effectively serve the country’s political and governance needs.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, January 23, 2025, Afenyo-Markin emphasised the need for political leaders to own their narratives and demonstrate boldness in addressing the challenges of governance.
The Minority Leader specifically questioned the capacity of Ahmed Ibrahim, who heads the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, to manage the complexities of the ministry effectively.
“The political class of this country must be bold and own narrative. I will not criticise because I am in opposition. When we make mistakes, we should admit them and apologise. 60 ministers will not help your political course, but when civil societies come up with the narrative, it is as if everything is done by the political class. Instead of boldly explaining to them, the intricacies of politics then we also fall into the trap and making political commitments.
“I don’t doubt the competence of Ahmed Ibrahim, but that huge ministry; Local Government, Chieftency and Religious Affairs, with all these conflicts. The behind-the-scenes negotiations for peace and local governance. I am not the President but if I were to advise the president, I would say to him ‘ You can apologise to Ghanaians and say you underestimated the thing, I think I need to engage more ministers.’
President John Dramani Mahama before the 2024 general election, promised to work with 60 ministers only. So, far, the president has appointed 42 ministers to various sectors of the economy. These include regional ministers and key sectorial ministers.