Majority Leader Urges Reduction in Ghana’s Public Workforce

In a recent interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Majority Leader Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu has called for a national conversation regarding the need to downsize the number of civil and public servants in Ghana.

The current workforce, comprising approximately 700,000 individuals, is deemed excessively large and is believed to impact the country’s revenue generation.

Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu emphasized the necessity for a thorough national dialogue that encourages citizens to explore alternative means of employment without burdening the government. The Suame MP highlighted the seriousness of the issue and questioned whether the current trajectory is sustainable.

Acknowledging the complexity of the matter, the Majority Leader cautioned against abrupt cuts to the public workforce. Instead, he proposed a thoughtful approach that includes considerations for relocating affected individuals and providing fair compensation.

While refraining from explicitly labeling the public service as “bloated,” Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu underscored the undeniable impact of its size on revenue generation. He expanded the discussion to include the number of ministries, ministers, and constituencies, both within the executive and legislature, advocating for a comprehensive evaluation.

The call for a national dialogue on rationalization extends beyond the current government, emphasizing its crucial role in the long-term development of the nation. Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu urged a collective effort to justify constant expansions, whether in the public service or parliamentary constituencies.