President John Mahama is poised to unveil sweeping reforms that will significantly reduce the perks and privileges previously enjoyed by public officials, as part of a broader strategy to curb government spending and promote modest governance.

Speaking on PM Express on Tuesday, government spokesperson Felix Ofosu Kwakye disclosed that the President is preparing to announce a series of restrictions aimed at reversing what he described as a culture of excess under the previous administration.

“In the coming days, President Mahama will announce many restrictions on some of the perks that public officials used to enjoy under the former administration,” Ofosu Kwakye stated, adding that the President is personally setting the tone for modest leadership.

He emphasized that the Mahama administration has already taken concrete steps to reduce public expenditure. “President Mahama is operating a modest government. This is the smallest administration in the history of the Fourth Republic,” he said. “He promised 60 ministers but is working with only 56. As for presidential staffers and support staff, the numbers are roughly half of what we inherited—336 under Akufo-Addo’s presidency.”

Among the key reforms already underway is the elimination of satellite television subscriptions such as DStv at the Jubilee House. Ofosu Kwakye confirmed that no office within the presidency is currently allowed to subscribe to pay-TV services, and that the policy will soon be extended to all government institutions.

“You might say it’s a trivial matter, but when the costs were calculated, the cumulative amount was significant. So, the President has taken that step,” he noted.

In addition, the government is pledging full transparency in the use of revenues from the recently introduced fuel levy. Ofosu Kwakye assured the public that these funds will be “scrupulously accounted for,” reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fiscal discipline.

Perhaps most notably, President Mahama has decided to do away with ex gratia payments for members of the executive under his leadership. “The President has made it clear: those who work under him in the executive will not receive ex gratia. Of course, he does not have jurisdiction over the legislature or judiciary, but for the executive, that benefit is off the table,” Ofosu Kwakye announced.

The upcoming policy announcements are expected to reinforce Mahama’s broader vision of a lean, efficient, and accountable government—one that reflects the economic realities facing the nation and prioritizes responsible stewardship of public resources.