A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communication team, Hamza Suhuyini, has defended the Mahama administration’s decision to eliminate fuel allowances for political appointees, describing it as a bold and necessary step toward reducing government waste and aligning public spending with national priorities.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Show, Suhuyini dismissed criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), insisting that the policy reflects a genuine commitment to the expectations of Ghanaians, rather than a display of political grandstanding.
“The NDC is not operating by the NPP’s rule book, which led to their humiliating defeat in the last election,” Suhuyini said. “We understand what the good people of Ghana expect, and we are responding directly to those expectations.”
He cautioned the NPP against downplaying the directive as mere political optics, emphasizing that President John Dramani Mahama’s administration remains steadfast in its commitment to responsible governance.
“If you choose to disregard or belittle the will of the Ghanaian people by calling this initiative a ‘setting’, that’s your burden to carry,” Suhuyini added. “This government will not waver in its resolve to remain aligned with the demands of the people.”
Clarifying the rationale behind the directive, Suhuyini stressed that the move is not about self-sacrifice but about prudent leadership and accountability.
“If you are a political appointee and receive a salary, you should be able to manage your transportation expenses, including fuel,” he argued. “This isn’t about sacrifice—it’s about cutting unnecessary spending. The government considers this a form of waste that must be addressed.”
In contrast, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Samuel Awuku, has criticized the directive, describing it as a populist move with little real impact.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nana Agyenim Boateng Sikapa
