Ghana’s presidential staff wage bill is projected to surge by 148% in 2025. This increase occurs despite a reported reduction in the number of political appointees at the Office of the President.
The 2025 Annual Report on the staffing position at the Office of the President revealed a total of 808 personnel as of December 31, 2025. This workforce included 233 political appointees and 575 civil servants and other public sector employees. The compensation for the Office of Government Machinery (OGM), which includes the Presidency, is allocated to rise from GHS 326.9 million in 2024 to an initial GHS 2.71 billion in the 2025 Budget.
This substantial rise in expenditure comes amidst the current administration’s stated commitment to a lean government. The reported drop of about 124 political appointees was presented as evidence of this commitment. However, the sharp increase in the compensation budget for the broader Office of Government Machinery has drawn significant public attention. This situation highlights ongoing discussions about government efficiency and cost management in Ghana’s public sector.
Government officials explain that the increased allocation does not solely reflect spending on presidential staff. They state that the salaries for workers from various agencies and institutions were transferred under the Office of Government Machinery after ministerial restructuring. This administrative realignment largely caused the sharp increase in the compensation figure.
This development will likely intensify scrutiny on public spending at the executive level. Decision-makers will need to provide clearer breakdowns of these costs to address public concerns. Future reports and budget analyses will be closely watched to understand the long-term implications of these administrative changes on Ghana’s public finance. Greater transparency in financial reporting remains a priority for analysts and the public.
The staffing report indicates a large number of support staff beyond direct political appointees at the Presidency. These roles include administrators, accountants, procurement officers, and health personnel. Staff from agencies like the Department of Parks and Gardens and the Ghana Health Service are also seconded to the Presidency. This highlights the complex structure of personnel supporting the executive branch.
Governance experts argue that these figures underscore the need for greater transparency in reporting presidential staffing and compensation costs. They suggest clearer classifications of political appointees, presidential staffers, and seconded public servants. Such clarity would help Ghanaians better understand the true financial cost of running the Presidency. This improved reporting could foster greater public trust and accountability.
The Office of Government Machinery’s expanded scope now encompasses several agencies, influencing its overall compensation needs. Budget realignments continue to shape government expenditure, prompting calls for more detailed financial disclosures. The public remains keen to see how these significant budget changes align with the government's promise of fiscal prudence.