Minimalist Governance: A Bold Step

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 

In a political landscape saturated with promises of change, Nana Kwame Bediako, also known as "Cheddar," and his New Force movement have sparked significant debate with a pledge to appoint only 12 ministers of state if elected. 

At first glance, this may seem like an ambitious or even radical proposal, but on closer inspection, it signals a profound critique of the bloated bureaucracies that have characterized governance in many African nations, including Ghana.

This promise is not just about reducing numbers; it is a bold declaration of intent to streamline government, curb wasteful spending, and foster efficiency in public administration. 

Ghana has often faced criticism for maintaining overly large cabinets, which strain national resources while delivering minimal impact on development outcomes. 

Bediako’s proposal is therefore a potential game-changer, reflecting the principles of a lean and responsive government.

A smaller cabinet could lead to significant cost savings. 

Ministerial portfolios often come with hefty budgets, allowances, and administrative staff, making them expensive to maintain. 

By reducing the number of ministers, funds could be redirected to critical sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure, directly benefiting citizens.

Beyond the financial implications, a compact cabinet could enhance accountability. 

With fewer ministers, the president and citizens can more easily monitor performance, ensuring that each appointee delivers tangible results. 

It could also foster inter-ministerial collaboration, as overlapping roles and responsibilities which often lead to inefficiency would be minimized.

However, such a promise raises critical questions. 

How will the government ensure that fewer ministers can effectively oversee the vast responsibilities of the state? 

Ghana’s socioeconomic complexities require specialized attention in various sectors, from agriculture to trade, technology, and tourism. 

Consolidating these responsibilities under a smaller team could risk overstretching their capacities or diluting focus.

Additionally, political buy-in might be challenging. 

In a system where political appointments are often used to reward loyalty or build coalitions, cutting down the cabinet could alienate key stakeholders. 

Would Bediako’s New Force have the political will to resist these pressures if elected?

For this proposal to succeed, it must be accompanied by a clear governance framework. 

The selection process for these 12 ministers would need to prioritize competence over partisanship, ensuring that appointees have the expertise and vision to deliver results. 

Furthermore, strong institutional support, such as empowered civil service structures, would be essential to bridge the gaps left by fewer ministers.

Bediako's commitment to this policy could also serve as a litmus test for Ghana’s electorate. 

Are citizens ready to embrace a leadership style that prioritizes efficiency over political patronage? 

The outcome of his campaign could set a precedent for future leaders in Ghana and beyond, encouraging them to rethink governance structures.

Nana Kwame Bediako’s promise of a 12-member cabinet is a refreshing departure from conventional political rhetoric.

It challenges the status quo and invites Ghanaians to envision a government focused on substance over size. 

However, the success of this vision hinges on the meticulous planning and political will required to overcome the inevitable resistance. 

If executed well, it could mark a transformative chapter in Ghana’s democratic journey, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.