Mahama Pledges to End Free Fuel and Utility Bills for Government Officials

John Dramani Mahama, the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has vowed to discontinue the provision of free fuel and other benefits to government officials if elected as President in December.

                                          ADVERTISEMENT

During an interaction with the EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mahama outlined cost-saving measures his administration would implement, including cutting incentives for government officials. Only government vehicles used for official duties would be eligible for state-provided fuel.

"We will discontinue the payment of utility bills, fuel, and DSTV as conditions of service for top government officials, directors, and the political class. People should pay their own electricity bills and water like every other Ghanaian does," Mahama emphasized.

Additionally, Mahama announced plans to introduce tax incentives for registered Ghanaian businesses and transition the country from cash payments to electronic payments like Mobile Money by 2028.

"We want to phase out cash as a form of all payments by 2028. We will no longer receive cash for any payment related to the public sector and some private sector services. Electronic forms of payments, like mobile money, will be the only option," Mahama explained.

This move aims to promote digital payments and reduce cash transactions in both the public and private sectors