The Mahama-led administration assumed power with a cost-cutting agenda, and part of the measures it put in place include the issuance of Public Financial Management (PFM) Commitment Control and Expenditure Management Measures.

The PFM Commitment Control and Expenditure Management Measures are a set of strict fiscal guidelines issued on May 2 by the Finance Minister to prevent overspending, reduce arrears, and enforce budget discipline across Ghana’s public sector.

Following its issuance, seventy-eight (78) state-owned institutions have shown compliance, as reported by the Finance Ministry.

The compliance update follows the submission of quarterly commitment control review reports to the Internal Audit Agency (IAA).

The Ministry’s guidelines were designed to ensure that public entities commit and spend within approved budgetary limits, prevent the accumulation of arrears, and enhance transparency in the management of public funds.

According to the quarterly report, institutions that have complied with the fiscal guidelines include GoldBod, Tema Oil Refinery, Ghana Enterprise Agency, Public Utilities and Regulatory Commission, Rent Control Department, State Interests and Governance Authority, Venture Capital Trust Fund, and Department of Parks and Gardens.

Others include NaCCA, Office of the Head of Civil Service, Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, some Ministries, some Colleges of Education and Municipal, Metropolitan District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The high level of compliance means that more government institutions are now following the rules on how public money should be spent. It also shows better teamwork between internal auditors and officers who approve spending.

Next, the government plans to track spending in real time, deal with agencies that still break the rules, and make public finance more transparent and accountable.

This effort is part of a larger government program to keep the economy stable, reduce wasteful spending, and make sure public funds are managed honestly and efficiently.

Meanwhile, the government's "reset agenda" is an economic recovery and social transformation strategy adopted by the current government to help stabilise and ensure economic growth.

Some of the cost-cutting initiatives implemented by the government since assuming office include a reduction in government size, where he reduced the number of ministers to 56, four short of his 60-minister cap.

Also, the president in June ordered the discontinuation of all DSTV and other satellite TV subscription payments at the Jubilee House.

Speaking during an appearance on JoyNews yesterday, Mr Kwakye revealed that the ban on the use of DSTV and other satellite television subscriptions at the Jubilee House will eventually be extended to all other government agencies and institutions.

He noted that while the decision might appear "trivial," an internal review revealed that satellite TV subscriptions were accounting for a considerable share of operational expenses.

"I can reveal to you that if you come to this house, there's no office in this house that is allowed to subscribe to DSTV or any satellite television," he said.

“You would say that that is a trivial matter, but he has done that. Because when you computed the cost, it was significant money.”

“You can turn on the television that you see here, you will find that I'm only limited to local television stations. It is something that will be extended to all government agencies to ensure that we don't waste the taxpayers' money,” he added.

Also, in July, President Mahama ordered the cancellation of fuel allowances and coupons for all political appointees. He explained that it was targeted at cutting discretionary spending and redirecting funds to priority sectors like health and education.

Other cost-cutting initiatives include a reduction in office renovation and furnishing budgets, suspension of non-essential foreign travel, and a freeze on new government vehicle purchases.

The order to reduce office renovation was issued by the Finance Minister as part of the PFM Commitment Control and Expenditure Management Measures on May 2.

The Minister ordered MDAs that existing assets must be reused or refurbished internally, with no new procurement unless justified.

The government placed a moratorium on the purchase of new official vehicles across MDAs and SOEs.

Exceptions are only granted for security and emergency services, subject to Finance Ministry approval.

His cost-cutting measures have earned praise from individuals and institutions alike. In July, Policy Think Tank, IMANI Africa's Franklin Cudjoe said: “The reduction in ministerial appointments and cancellation of discretionary perks like DSTV and fuel coupons are commendable steps. It signals a shift toward responsible governance.”

However, he urged the government to extend the cuts to procurement and contract auditing. Also, Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII)commended the government for the ban on fuel coupons and foreign travel, calling it a “positive signal to curb wasteful spending.”

The Minority, on the other hand, questioned the government, expressing doubt on the authenticity of the government's purported move. Speaking on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen show on March 12, 2025, former Information Minister and current Member of Parliament for Ayirebi Constituency, Oppong-Nkrumah, stated:

“There has been no cut in the budget. When you look at the numbers, you’ll see that the government is spending more, not less.”

He said, “they claim they have cut costs, but the numbers tell a different story.”