Former President John Mahama has justified his decision to exclude the Ministry of Information from his administration’s 23-ministry structure, describing it as a strategic move to downsize government while maintaining effective communication.
His clarification comes after the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) raised concerns about the removal of the Information Ministry, seeking an explanation for the structural changes.
Addressing the media during a press engagement, President Mahama emphasized that eliminating the ministry was part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce redundancies within the government.
“In line with our promise to downsize government, we decided not to include an Information Ministry among the 23 ministries we announced,” President Mahama stated.
To ensure effective communication despite this change, he revealed the creation of a Minister of State in charge of government communications, working directly under the presidency.
“The flow of timely and accurate information is crucial to our governance. That’s why we integrated government communications into the presidency, led by a Minister of State and supported by a strong team of professionals in key sectors,” he explained.
President Mahama also highlighted plans to modernize the Information Services Department (ISD). He described the initiative as a transformative measure to reposition the ISD from a traditional civil service body into a dynamic entity operating under the presidency.
“Our aim is to enhance the ISD’s ability to provide consistent, accurate, and timely updates on government activities to the public,” he added.
The GJA had earlier sought clarity on the government’s decision, noting the significance of the Information Ministry in ensuring transparency and public engagement.
This restructuring, according to President Mahama, reflects his administration’s commitment to reducing government size while prioritizing efficient communication systems.
