Oppong Nkrumah questions NDC's lean government claims after RTI request

Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has punched holes in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s rhetoric that it has slashed the cost in governance.

In refence with data gathered from documents retrieved through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, he pointed to a surge in diplomatic appointments abroad, suggesting that the government may be quietly piling new expenses on taxpayers.

Government open to more funding options for RTI support - Oppong Nkrumah

Oppong Nkrumah contended that while the administration prides itself on appointing fewer ministers since taking office in January 2025, many senior party figures have been given Deputy Ambassadors and Deputy High Commissioners.

He further argued that the real cost of government goes beyond just the number of ministers at home.

Oppong Nkrumah filed an RTI request with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2026 seeking details on salaries and benefits for these diplomatic positions. After delays that required internal reviews and threats of legal action, the Ministry responded in May 2026 under Case No. RTIC/AFR/25/2026.

The data from the document revealed that every Deputy Head of Mission receives a monthly basic salary of US$3,639.58 plus a US$150 clothing allowance.

Oppong Nkrumah indicated that one such position costs the taxpayer about US$45,475 annually, roughly GH¢537,000 even before other perks.

Other benefits captured in the document include child allowances, education grants, warm clothing for colder postings, furnished residences, official vehicles, medical coverage, and more.

He estimated the minimum annual cost for the 18 new Deputy Head of Mission positions at around GH¢9.7 million for basic pay and clothing alone.

Factoring in other cash benefits pushes it to GH¢12.9 million, while full costs, including accommodation and operational support, could hit GH¢25.6 million yearly.

“The figures are not mine. They are the government’s own figures released under the Right to Information Act,” he maintained.

NA/VPO

AROUND TOWN: Ghanaians share their struggles with rising cost of rent