Flagbearer of The New Force, Nana Kwame Bediako, has vowed that, if elected, his presidency will be the leanest in Africa's history, marked by a radical reduction in the size of government.
Mr. Bediako popularly known as Cheddar announced that he plans to appoint only 12 ministers to oversee the country’s affairs, a move he claims will streamline governance, reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies, and save the nation millions of cedis.
Cheddar’s statement has already sparked widespread discussion across political circles and among the general public.
The aspiring leader outlined his vision for a minimalist government, emphasizing that a lean cabinet is crucial for effective leadership and the efficient use of national resources.
“Ghana’s progress has been stifled for far too long by the burden of an oversized government. My presidency will be the leanest in Africa’s history because I’ll appoint only 12 ministers. This is not just about cutting costs; it’s about fostering a government that is more accountable, responsive, and focused on delivering results for the people,” Cheddar asserted.
He further explained that his approach would involve merging certain ministries and departments to eliminate redundancies and ensure a more coherent policy direction.
For example, under his leadership, the Ministry of Finance could be combined with the Ministry of Planning, while the Ministry of Agriculture might be merged with the Ministry of Food and Fisheries.
Cheddar’s proposal has garnered mixed reactions. Some political analysts applaud his ambition, noting that a smaller government could indeed lead to greater efficiency and a reduction in the misuse of public funds.
However, others have expressed skepticism, questioning whether such a drastic reduction in ministerial appointments could lead to gaps in governance and hinder the implementation of critical national projects.
“While the idea of a lean government is appealing, we must consider the practical implications. Can 12 ministers realistically manage the affairs of a country as diverse and complex as Ghana? The success of such a model will depend heavily on the caliber of individuals appointed and their ability to multitask effectively,” said Dr. Afua Osei, a political analyst and lecturer at the University of Ghana.
On social media, the announcement has sparked a lively debate, with supporters praising Cheddar for his innovative thinking and critics arguing that the proposal may be overly simplistic.
Cheddar’s vision challenges the status quo of African governance, where large cabinets are often seen as necessary to accommodate various political interests and ensure regional representation.
His proposal to limit ministerial appointments to just 12 positions represents a significant departure from the norm and a bold statement about his commitment to reform.
As the 2024 elections approach, Cheddar’s unconventional ideas continue to distinguish him from other candidates.
His pledge to create the leanest presidency in Africa’s history could resonate with voters who are frustrated with the current system and eager for change.
However, whether this vision will translate into electoral success remains to be seen.
For now, one thing is clear: Cheddar’s candidacy has injected a new level of excitement and unpredictability into the political landscape, and his ideas are sure to keep the nation talking as the campaign season heats up.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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