Nigerians on social media have applauded Ghana's President, John Mahama, for axing seven government ministries as part of plans to cut public spending under an International Monetary Fund (IMF) austerity programme.

This follows a post by popular blogger Tunde Ednut, who, in a post on his Instagram page, acknowledged the recent reshuffle by the President.

Comments monitored by MyNigeria revealed a diverse range of reactions. While some praised Mahama for the move and expressed hope that it could be replicated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, others likened him to Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential elections.

In a gazette dated January 9, 2025, Mahama reduced the number of ministries from 30 to 23, aligning with his pledge to streamline government operations for greater efficiency.

The retained ministries include finance, health, interior, defence, education, energy and green transition, roads and highways, and transport. The President’s office confirmed the decision in an emailed statement.

Returning to power after a previous stint as President between 2012 and 2017, Mahama defeated former Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia in a closely contested election.

Mahama secured 56.55% of the vote, while Bawumia, who conceded defeat before the final count, garnered 41.6%.

Mahama’s cost-cutting agenda stands in contrast to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who expanded the number of ministries to 48 in 2023, up from 44 under his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

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A post shared by King Tunde Ednut (@mazitundeednut)