All Ministers of State have been warned by government against announcing major policy initiatives or programmes publicly without approval by the Cabinet.

This comes as a reaction to an observation made by the government where some ministers announce initiatives “purportedly on behalf of the government” without seeking the cabinet's consent.

In a circular dated October 27, which was signed by the Secretary to the Cabinet, Prof Kwaku Danso-Boafo indicated that such actions violate constitutional protocols and breach the principle of collective government responsibility, which requires that all major policy decisions reflect consensus at the Cabinet level.

“Cabinet wishes to remind all Ministers that, in accordance with established governance protocols and the collective responsibility principle enshrined in the Constitution, no public policy, programme, or major initiative shall be considered a policy of government unless it has been duly submitted to, deliberated upon, and approved by Cabinet,” the circular stated.

Ministers were further instructed to channel all proposed policies, programmes, and legislative initiatives to the Cabinet Secretariat through the Chief Directors of their respective Ministries.

The Cbinet explained that this process will ensure that all government decisions are adequately vetted, aligned with national priorities, and formally placed on the Cabinet agenda before public communication.

Full statement below:

ADHERENCE TO CABINET PROCEDURES IN THEFORMULATION AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC POLICIES

The attention of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary has been drawn to the growing practice where some Ministers of State have publicly announced, or caused to be announced, major policy initiatives and programmes purportedly on behalf of the Government without prior discussion, review, or approval by Cabinet.

Cabinet wishes to remind all Ministers that, in accordance with established governance protocols and the collective responsibility principle enshrined in the Constitution, no public policy, programme, or major initiative shall be considered a policy of Government unless it has been duly submitted to, deliberated upon, and approved by Cabinet.

For the avoidance of doubt, Ministers are respectfully requested to ensure that all proposed policies, programmes, or legislative initiatives intended for public announcement or implementation are first submitted to the Cabinet Secretariat, through the Chief Director of their respective Ministries, for inclusion on the Cabinet agenda and subsequent consideration by Cabinet.

This directive is intended to safeguard policy coherence, uphold collective Cabinet responsibility, and ensure that all Government communications and actions reflect the unified and approved position of the Administration.

Ministers are therefore advised to refrain from announcing or implementing any policy that has not received Cabinet approval. Any such public statement or initiative undertaken outside this process shall not be deemed to represent official Government policy.

Please be guided accordingly.

On February 7, President John Dramani Mahama officially sworn in a total of 42 ministers, marking a significant milestone exactly one month after his own inauguration.

The swift approval process for his appointees, he noted, is unprecedented and reflects a commitment to promptly assembling a functional government.

In the swearing in ceremony, the latest batch of ministers approved by Parliament—some by consensus and others by majority vote—took the oath of allegiance. The 17 newly sworn-in ministers, forming the fourth group of appointees, were urged by the President to approach their duties with humility and dedication.

President John Dramani Mahama has currently issued a stern reminder to his ministerial appointees that results, not mere attendance, will determine their success in office.

During the opening of a four-day Executive Leadership Programme on April 24, 2025, he emphasized that the positions they hold are grounded in public trust and the urgent demand for meaningful transformation.

Addressing the gathering, Mahama highlighted the importance of action over symbolism.

He made it clear that Ghanaians are not interested in officials who simply fill positions but want leaders who can bring real change.

“You were not appointed to occupy space. You were appointed to solve problems,” he said. “The Ghanaian people expect us to deliver. And we must – not with excuses, but with results.”

The leadership retreat, held in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was described by the President as a critical moment to reset how governance is approached. He said it was not a traditional orientation, but rather an opportunity to build a new way of thinking and working. He urged his ministers to let go of outdated leadership models and commit to serving with renewed purpose. “The business-as-usual approach will not work. Indeed, it is dead and we must bury it once and for all,” Mahama stated.

He also appealed to the conscience of his appointees, pointing to the growing restlessness among the youth and frustration among farmers, workers, and entrepreneurs who are eager for better opportunities and improved livelihoods. These groups, he noted, are demanding leadership that listens and delivers.

Mahama didn’t shy away from issuing a warning. He made it clear that accountability would be central to his administration. Any minister who fails to meet expectations, he said, will be removed. “Please remember, when any of us fall short, I will not hesitate to act,” he concluded.

The programme brings together government officials, private sector players, and development partners to foster a unified approach to effective and responsible leadership under Mahama’s renewed administration.