The Office of the President projects a 148% increase in compensation expenditure, rising from GHS 100 million in 2025 to GHS 248 million in 2026.
This significant jump is due to salary arrears, ex gratia payments for former officials, and adjustments related to staffing levels. The explanation follows a JoyNews Research analysis that questioned the surge despite a reported reduction in political appointees.
This expenditure increase affects public finance management and accountability in Ghana. It highlights ongoing challenges in managing government payrolls and entitlements for past and present officials. Such large budgetary shifts can draw scrutiny from civil society and international financial institutions monitoring Ghana’s fiscal discipline.
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarified the situation during a press briefing. He attributed the 2026 projected expenses to a combination of factors, including Article 71 salary determinations approved under the previous administration. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated, “Every salary being taken now by political appointees at the Presidency was determined under President Akufo-Addo.”
The projected increase suggests an ongoing commitment to fulfilling financial obligations to former government officials. Decision-makers will monitor how these compensation expenses impact the national budget and Ghana's overall fiscal health. Future reporting on government spending transparency will likely focus on detailed breakdowns of such allocations.
The Presidency's explanation underlines payment of outstanding obligations to former office holders. These include back pay, salary top-ups, and ex gratia payments. These entitlements stem from remuneration adjustments following the latest Article 71 committee recommendations. The Presidency also cited the full integration of staff into the government structure in 2026, after a transition period in 2025. This means that 2025 did not reflect a full complement of staff for the entire year.
The Article 71 committee is responsible for recommending the emoluments of certain public officers, including the President, Vice-President, and Members of Parliament. Their decisions often have long-term financial implications for the state. The ongoing impact of these determinations on public expenditure remains a key area of Watch. Timely and detailed disclosures of compensation components are crucial for maintaining public trust and prudent financial governance in Ghana.