2026 Mid-Year Budget: Gov’t Cuts Size of Executive to 60 Ministers, 23 Ministries in Fiscal Tightening Drive – Ato Forson

The government has reduced the size of the executive from 123 ministers at its peak to 60, and slashed the number of ministries from 30 to 23 as part of efforts to ensure fiscal discipline and efficient governance.

Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, announced this during the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review presented to Parliament on Thursday.

According to him, the decision to downsize government was driven not only by political considerations but by the need to strengthen the country’s fiscal position.

“A leaner government is not merely good politics but is also a sound fiscal policy,” Dr Forson told Parliament.

The Finance Minister said the administration has also moved to curtail non-essential expenditure as part of broader cost-saving measures.

He cited excessive foreign travel, workshops, conferences, and unnecessary vehicle procurement as some of the areas targeted for reduction.

“We curtailed non-essential expenditure including excessive foreign travel, workshops, conferences and unnecessary vehicle procurement,” he stated.

Dr Forson noted that the measures are intended to free up resources for priority areas of the economy while signalling the government’s commitment to prudent management of public funds amid ongoing economic recovery efforts.

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