In a move aimed at tightening the government’s belt and redirecting funds to more pressing needs, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the cancellation of all satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House, the seat of government.
This directive, according to Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, is already saving the presidency approximately GH₵120,000 every month.
The cancellation extends to all offices within the Jubilee House, meaning no department or individual will have access to DStv or any other paid satellite TV service. This decision, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasised, is part of a broader strategy initiated by the Mahama administration to scrutinise and drastically reduce operational costs inherited from the previous government.
The extravagant expenditure on television subscriptions came to light during a routine audit of the presidency’s spending, as revealed by Mr. Kwakye Ofosu in an interview with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He expressed astonishment at the magnitude of the cost associated with these subscriptions.
“When we assumed office at the Jubilee House, we discovered numerous satellite TV subscriptions in addition to access to local channels,” he explained. “Upon reviewing the costs, we found that nearly GH₵120,000 was being spent monthly on these services. President Mahama has since ordered all subscriptions to be cancelled.”
The Minister of State highlighted the questionable justification for such a considerable outlay on television services, particularly in the context of pressing socio-economic challenges faced by communities across the country. He eloquently argued that even small sums of money could make a significant difference in improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
“There are communities where something as simple as a GH₵1,000 water pump stands between residents and access to clean water,” he stated. “Yet we were spending over a hundred thousand cedis just on watching TV.”
This stark contrast underscores the Mahama administration’s commitment to prioritising essential services and addressing the needs of the populace. The move to cut satellite television subscriptions, while seemingly a small change, represents a significant symbolic shift towards fiscal responsibility and a more prudent allocation of public resources.
The savings generated from this initiative can now be redirected towards crucial areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising the government’s commitment to fiscal prudence, while others question whether such a relatively small saving will have a significant impact on the overall budget.
However, the Mahama administration maintains that this is just one of many measures being implemented to streamline government spending and ensure that public funds are used more effectively.
By demonstrating a willingness to make even seemingly minor cuts, the government hopes to set an example and encourage other public institutions to adopt similar cost-saving measures.
Ultimately, the cancellation of satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House indicates a commitment to responsible governance and a dedication to prioritising the needs of the Ghanaian people.
It serves as a potent reminder that even small actions can contribute to significant savings and a more efficient allocation of resources, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole. This move will undoubtedly be seen as a test case, with many watching to see if it heralds a broader and more comprehensive approach to cost-cutting within the government.
Anthony Obeng Afrane
