Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, has expressed support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s commitment to limit his cabinet to 50 ministers should he win the upcoming general elections.
Bawumia announced the pledge during the NPP’s manifesto launch in Takoradi on August 18, stating that a streamlined government structure would enhance efficiency.
“I will have no more than 50 ministers in my government,” Bawumia said, emphasizing his intent to reduce the size of the executive branch.
Alongside the reduction in ministers, Bawumia put forward a plan to shift from purchasing to leasing goods like vehicles and printing equipment.
He suggested that this approach, involving private sector maintenance of leased items, could lead to substantial savings in government expenditure, a prospect that could bring hope to many.
Cudjoe welcomed Bawumia’s pledge, highlighting it as a positive move. However, he also used the occasion to critique other aspects of Bawumia’s address.
In a Facebook post, Cudjoe noted, “DMB admits economic challenges but falls short of acknowledging the role his government’s fiscal recklessness contributed to the atrophy.”
He further contested Bawumia’s claim about unemployment rates, stating, “It is not true that the unemployment rate was higher in 2016 than now. It is almost four times higher now.” Cudjoe’s critique raises important questions about the accuracy of the government’s data and the effectiveness of its policies in addressing unemployment.
Cudjoe also mentioned that the power crisis, or ‘Dumsor,‘ was resolved by December 2016, making its recurrence in 2024 unnecessary.
Despite these criticisms, he expressed his support for Bawumia’s flat tax proposal and his pledge to limit the cabinet size, providing reassurance to the public.
