As part of sweeping cost-cutting initiatives, President John Dramani Mahama’s administration has reiterated that government officials are expected to personally pay for fuel used for private or “unofficial” assignments.
Speaking with the EU Ambassador, Mahama confirmed suspension of free fuel for personal use, stating,
“Unless you are using a government vehicle on government assignment, you should buy your own fuel if you are using your own car and so we are going to discontinue that.”
As part of a broader austerity agenda, Mahama has pledged to eliminate non-essential welfare perks for the political class including free utility bills, DSTV subscriptions, and fuel allowances.
First announced in May 2024, the policy aims to align government spending with the standards expected of ordinary citizens.
Recent measures, such as the DSTV ban at Jubilee House and the downsizing of ministries, underscore efforts to curb routine state expenditure across public institutions.
As part of a broader austerity push, Mahama has pledged to eliminate non-essential perks for the political class including free utility bills, DSTV subscriptions, and fuel allowances to align government spending with citizen standards.
Announced in May 2024, the policy includes measures like banning DSTV at Jubilee House and cutting ministries from 30 to 23, all aimed at reducing routine state expenditure.
Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, emphasized that even seemingly “trivial” perks add up to significant costs and confirmed plans to extend the ban across all government entities.
Officials must make private arrangements for fuel when using personal vehicles.
The government is expected to announce more austerity measures likely touching on travel policies, mobile data allowances, and professional development spending as part of its pledge to model modest governance.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
