In a recent engagement with the media on January 23, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama revealed the reasons behind his government’s decision to abolish the Ministry of Information.
Here are the key takeaways from the president’s explanation:
1. Commitment to Downsizing Government
One of the primary reasons for scrapping the Ministry of Information was to fulfil President Mahama’s promise to reduce the size of the government. The move is part of a broader strategy to streamline government operations and cut down on unnecessary bureaucratic layers.
2. Government Communications Now Under the Presidency
Instead of a standalone ministry, government communication responsibilities have been integrated directly into the presidency. A new position, the Minister of State in charge of government communication, has been created, and the role is expected to be headed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the acting spokesperson for the President.
3. More Strategic Information Flow
President Mahama emphasized that managing the flow of information is vital for the success of government operations. By consolidating the communication functions under the presidency, the government intends to ensure a more strategic and efficient approach to how information is disseminated to the public.
4. Modernizing the Information Services Department (ISD)
The Information Services Department (ISD), formerly part of the Ministry of Information, will now be brought under the presidency. President Mahama outlined plans to modernize ISD from a “civil service organization” into a more dynamic body that will effectively manage public communication and ensure the government’s actions are communicated to the people.
5. A Broader Restructuring of Ministries
The scrapping of the Ministry of Information is part of a larger restructuring effort. President Mahama also merged or eliminated several other ministries, including the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, the Ministry of Railways, and the Ministry of National Security, aiming for more efficient governance.
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