By Dennis Awuni | Our Democracy Online
The debate over the cost of government has resurfaced following claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration that it has reduced public expenditure by appointing fewer ministers than previous governments.
Since taking office, the government has cited its leaner ministerial structure as evidence of efforts to cut the cost of governance. However, questions are now being raised about whether the overall expenditure on political appointments has genuinely reduced or has merely been shifted to other areas of government.
According to a statement by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, several senior party figures who were reportedly not appointed as ministers have subsequently been assigned as Deputy Ambassadors and Deputy High Commissioners in Ghana’s foreign missions.
Oppong Nkrumah argues that while the number of ministers may have been reduced, the associated costs may have reappeared under a different budget line through these diplomatic appointments.
To obtain details on the financial implications of such appointments, the MP said he filed a Right to Information (RTI) request in January 2026. According to him, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded in June after he threatened legal action. The response, referenced as Case No. RTIC/AFR/25/2026, outlined the remuneration and benefits available to Deputy Heads of Mission.
What One Deputy Head of Mission Costs
According to information disclosed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, every Deputy Ambassador or Deputy High Commissioner receives:
- A monthly basic salary of US$3,639.58
- A monthly clothing allowance of US$150
Together, these two benefits amount to approximately US$45,475 annually, which translates to roughly GH¢537,000 per officer each year, based on prevailing exchange rates.
The Ministry also listed additional allowances, including:
- Child allowance of up to US$600 per month for up to three children under 18 years
- Education grant of approximately US$583 per month (US$1,750 quarterly)
- Warm clothing allowance of US$83.33 per month for officers posted to temperate countries
Beyond these cash allowances, the Ministry confirmed several non-cash benefits, including:
- Foreign service allowances specific to the country of posting
- Official furnished residences provided by the State
- Official vehicles with drivers, fuel and maintenance covered
- Medical coverage for the officer, spouse and up to three children
- Domestic staff support
Additional costs may include official travel allowances and relocation expenses associated with taking up diplomatic postings.
Estimated Cost of 18 New Deputy Appointments
Based on the figures disclosed by the Ministry, Oppong Nkrumah estimates that the annual cost of the 18 newly created Deputy Head of Mission positions could be:
- GH¢9.7 million annually at the minimum level, counting only salaries and clothing allowances
- GH¢12.9 million annually when additional cash allowances are included
- GH¢25.6 million annually under a higher estimate that factors in accommodation, foreign service allowances, vehicles, medical coverage and support staff
He argues that these costs are recurring and will continue for the duration of the appointments.
The Question Raised
The central issue raised is whether the reduction in the number of ministers has resulted in a genuine reduction in government expenditure or whether costs have been transferred to Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad through the appointment of Deputy Ambassadors and Deputy High Commissioners.
Oppong Nkrumah maintains that the figures cited are based on information released by the government itself under the Right to Information Act and says they warrant a broader discussion on the true cost of governance.
As public debate continues over government expenditure, the issue is likely to remain a subject of political and public scrutiny in the months ahead.
