Presidential spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has stated that President John Mahama has not increased the salaries of presidential appointees. He dismissed recent reports alleging a massive surge in the Presidency’s compensation bill as “ignorant propaganda.” Mr. Ofosu insisted that the President has not added any amount to the salaries inherited from the previous administration.
These comments follow reports indicating a projected doubling of the Office of the President’s compensation. The compensation is expected to rise from GHS 100 million in 2025 to GHS 248 million in 2026. This increase is projected despite a reduction in political appointees at Jubilee House from 357 in 2023 to 233 in 2025. This situation raised questions about the cost efficiency of a smaller presidential staff.
This discussion fits into the broader narrative of public sector wage management and government expenditure control in Ghana. Managing the public wage bill is a critical component of the national budget, often scrutinized for its impact on fiscal stability. Past administrations have faced pressure to contain spending, especially on compensation for political officeholders, to ensure resources are available for development projects. Data from previous budget statements consistently highlights the challenge of balancing necessary public service compensation with fiscal prudence across different political cycles.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu explicitly stated, “President Mahama has not added one cedi to the salaries of his appointees at the Presidency that he came to meet, and it must be placed strictly on record.” He further explained that any adjustment to emoluments for Article 71 officeholders requires a formal committee. This committee, according to the constitution, must be appointed by the President. Mr. Ofosu confirmed that President Mahama has not formed such a committee. Therefore, the salaries and conditions of Article 71 officeholders under President Mahama are those set by the previous administration.
The implications of this clarification are significant for public financial management and political accountability. Stakeholders will closely monitor future budget allocations for the Office of the President. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government will need to clearly explain any future discrepancies or increases in the compensation budget. This situation demands transparency to maintain public trust regarding government spending. Analysts will continue to scrutinize the actual expenditure figures against these current denials as Ghana approaches future electoral cycles.