News
Reducing the number of appointees has saved the state millions of cedis– Felix Ofosu Kwakye
The Minister of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, says President John Mahama’s decision to reduce the number of political appointees has saved the state millions of cedis in public spending.
Addressing journalists during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 15, 2026, Mr. Ofosu Kwakye said the current administration has reduced the number of political appointees from 355 under the previous government to 233.
According to him, the reduction has significantly lowered government expenditure on salaries, accommodation, official vehicles and other benefits provided to political appointees.
He explained that reports suggesting the current government is spending more on compensation despite having fewer appointees were inaccurate and failed to take into account salary adjustments approved for officials who served under the previous administration.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye noted that the salaries and conditions of service currently being enjoyed by President Mahama’s appointees were determined by a committee established under the previous government and not by the current administration.
He said former appointees under the Akufo-Addo administration had received salary top-ups and other payments based on recommendations made by the committee, adding that these additional payments were not reflected in some of the comparisons being made.
“The reduction has saved money, running into millions,” he stated.
The minister further indicated that President Mahama has not purchased new vehicles for many of his appointees, with some officials using their personal vehicles for official duties.
According to him, this has further reduced government expenditure and contributed to efforts to ensure prudent management of public resources.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye also criticised reports that suggested there was no financial benefit from reducing the number of appointees. He argued that such reports failed to seek clarification from government before publication and therefore did not present the full picture.
He maintained that when all costs associated with political appointments are considered, including salaries, accommodation, vehicles and other benefits, the current administration is spending less because it has fewer appointees.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye reiterated that the government’s decision to maintain a lean presidency forms part of efforts to reduce public expenditure while ensuring efficient governance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
CSA urges Universities to strengthen cybersecurity following university of Nottingham cyber-attack
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has cautioned universities and other operators of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) in Ghana to comply with cybersecurity regulations following a recent cyber-attack on the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom.
In a press release issued on June 16, 2026, the Authority said the incident should serve as a warning to educational institutions that no organisation is immune to cyber threats, regardless of its size, reputation or technological capacity.
According to the CSA, the attack on the University of Nottingham is believed to have affected about 450,000 students and alumni, exposing sensitive information such as personal records, contact details, student identification information and financial data.
The Authority noted that although the breach occurred outside Ghana, it has important lessons for the country’s education sector as well as other critical sectors including health, telecommunications and transportation.
The CSA explained that Ghanaian universities are increasingly relying on digital technologies such as student information systems, online learning platforms, cloud services, digital payment systems and research collaborations.
While these technologies improve efficiency and access to services, they also create opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities.
“The question is therefore not whether Ghanaian universities or other critical sectors will be attacked, but whether they are sufficiently prepared when an attack occurs,” the statement said.
The Authority reminded institutions to adhere to the Directive for the Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which was launched in October 2021 to strengthen cybersecurity across critical sectors.
According to the CSA, the directive requires organisations to establish cybersecurity governance structures, conduct risk assessments, implement security controls, report incidents, carry out regular audits and develop effective incident response plans.
The Authority said these measures are intended to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber-attacks and help protect essential services and national interests.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Former NPP flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong, has criticised both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the delayed completion of the Afari Military Hospital and other stalled health infrastructure projects.
Mr. Agyapong made the remarks on Tuesday after donating a pickup truck, an incubator and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the 37 Military Hospital as part of activities marking his 66th birthday.
Speaking at the event, he said successive governments had failed to complete the Afari Military Hospital despite having years in office to do so.
According to him, the project was initiated during the administration of former President John Agyekum Kufuor and construction later commenced under the NDC.
Mr. Agyapong, who previously chaired Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, said he was aware of the project’s challenges and insisted that both the NPP and NDC should be held accountable for the delays.
“We will criticise the NDC and we will criticise the NPP. That’s the only way to go,” he said.
He noted that the previous NPP administration spent eight years in office without completing the facility and questioned attempts to place the blame solely on the current government.
The former Assin Central MP called on Ghanaians to put national development ahead of partisan politics and demand accountability from all political parties.
He said the country would make greater progress if leaders focused on completing critical projects and delivering results rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
By: Jacob Aggrey
