President John Dramani Mahama has taken a bold step to reduce government spending. In a new directive, Mahama scraps fuel allowances for all political appointees. This move is part of a wider plan to manage the country’s finances better and focus on national development needs.
Why Mahama Scrapped Fuel Allowances
The decision to cancel fuel benefits is part of the Mahama administration’s Reset Agenda. The government wants to stop wasteful spending and use the money to support education, healthcare, and roads. According to Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Mahama scraps fuel allowances to show that leadership must also sacrifice in hard times.
Other Cost-Saving Measures
The fuel cut comes after several earlier actions. President Mahama reduced the number of ministers, stopped satellite TV subscriptions in government offices, and restricted business-class travel for appointees. These actions all reflect his goal to control spending and build public trust.
Mixed Reactions from the Public
The decision has received both praise and criticism. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) called it “commendable” and urged the government to use the savings for public projects. They also proposed using solar or electric vehicles for officials to prevent future fuel abuse.
However, some opposition MPs, like Sammy Awuku, called it a “PR gimmick.” He questioned whether the directive will truly save money or if it’s just for public show. He also demanded clear numbers on how much the government was spending before and how the savings will be used.
Fiscal Discipline or Political Talk?
Supporters argue that this is a clear message from the government: it’s time to be responsible. Critics, however, say more must be done. They want transparency and broader cuts beyond just fuel. Despite this, the policy is in force, and ministries have been told to follow it without delay.
A Step Toward Responsible Governance
NDC communicator Hamza Suhuyini explained that Mahama scraps fuel allowances not as a show-off but as part of smart governance. He said if appointees are being paid salaries, they should use that for their fuel, just like Members of Parliament who already do the same.
While the real financial impact of this move remains to be seen, Mahama scraps fuel allowances sends a strong message: the government is ready to cut its own comfort to protect national resources. Whether symbolic or practical, it has started a bigger conversation about how public funds should be used.
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