The Minority in Parliament has strongly criticized President John Dramani Mahama’s government for allocating a staggering GHS2.7 billion to the Office of Government Machinery (OGM) in 2025.
The Atiwa East MP, Abena Osei-Asare, expressed concerns over the significant increase in expenditure compared to the previous administration’s budget.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament, Abena Osei-Asare pointed out that during the NPP era, the OGM had a budget for compensation of GHS326 million, which included development authorities, a national service secretariat, and other agencies.
However, the current compensation under OGM is GHS2.7 billion, a drastic rise that is particularly concerning given that some agencies have been removed from the OGM’s purview.
“But here we are in 2025 when you look at the expenditure numbers, the compensation under OGM is GHS2.7 billion. From GHS326 million of a perceived overblown government to a lean government of GHS2.7 billion where they have also taken away some of these agencies,” Abena Osei-Asare stated.
The MP for Tano North, Dr. Gideon Boako, also criticized President Mahama for allocating GHS70 million to the research department and GHS79 million to government communications at the Jubilee House.
Dr Gideon Boako argued that these allocations surpass the budgets of three or four ministries combined under the previous Akufo-Addo administration and contradict Mahama’s promise of a lean government.
“This is higher than about three or four ministries put together under President Akufo-Addo. This is not the lean government Ghanaians voted for,”.Dr Gideon Boako said.
The Minority’s criticism comes after President Mahama’s government has faced scrutiny over its appointments and budget allocations.
