Papua New Guinea (PNG) has long grappled with the challenges of governance and service delivery. The Marape-Rosso Government’s decision to increase the number of ministers, vice ministers, and assistant ministers has sparked a debate on the necessity and efficiency of such a move. This article delves into the core issues, supported by insights from key proponents of decentralisation, Governor Allan Bird and John Momis.
The Marape-Rosso Government has expanded the number of ministerial positions to 39, a move seen by many as a strategy to maintain political stability and unity within the coalition. However, this expansion comes at a significant economic and financial cost, raising questions about the efficiency and necessity of such a large government (PNG House Bung, 2025).
The Argument for Decentralisation
John Momis, often referred to as the father of decentralisation in PNG, has been a vocal advocate for shifting powers from the central government in Waigani to provincial governments. He argues that decentralisation is essential for improving service delivery and empowering local leaders. In a 2023 interview, Momis stated,
“The centralisation of power in Waigani has led to inefficiencies and a disconnect between the government and the people. Decentralisation would bring decision-making closer to the people, improve accountability, and enhance service delivery” (Momis, 2023).
Governor Allan Bird echoes this sentiment, advocating for a block grant system to provide financial autonomy to provinces. In a statement from 2024, Bird emphasised, “By providing provinces with untied grants, they can prioritise and address their own problems without relying on the central government. This will lead to more efficient and effective governance” (Bird, 2024).
Economic and Financial Implications
The expansion of ministerial positions has significant economic and financial implications. The high salaries and allowances for ministers, vice ministers, and assistant ministers mean that a substantial portion of the national budget is allocated to maintaining the government. This allocation diverts resources away from critical areas such as education, health, and infrastructure development (National Economic Report, 2025).
An analysis of the economic impact reveals that the large number of ministerial positions contributes to bureaucratic inefficiency and duplication of roles. This inefficiency not only increases the cost of governance but also hampers the delivery of essential services to the people. As Governor Bird pointed out in 2024, “Centralisation of power and resources often leads to inefficiency and corruption. By decentralising financial resources, provinces can manage their own budgets and reduce opportunities for corrupt practices” (Bird, 2024).
The Solution
To address these challenges, it is essential to implement provincial autonomy as originally intended in the Constitution. This means shifting decision-making on local matters to provincial governments and reducing unnecessary national ministries. By empowering provincial leaders and providing them with the financial resources they need, PNG can achieve more efficient and effective governance.
John Momis emphasised the importance of this approach, stating in 2023, “Decentralisation is not just about transferring power; it’s about creating a governance structure that is responsive to the needs of the people. By empowering local leaders, we can ensure that decisions are made closer to the people and that resources are used more effectively” (Momis, 2023).
Conclusion
The debate over the necessity of a large number of ministerial positions in PNG highlights the need for a more efficient and decentralised governance structure. By implementing provincial autonomy and reducing the number of national ministries, PNG can achieve better accountability, reduce costs, and improve service delivery. The insights from John Momis and Governor Allan Bird underscore the importance of decentralisation in creating a governance system that truly serves the people.
References
- PNG Haus Bung (29 Jan, 2025). New Ministers Appointed. https://pnghausbung.com/new-ministers-appointed/
- Momis, J. (2023). Interview on Decentralisation and Governance. https://successfulsocieties.princeton.edu/interviews/john-momis
- Bird, A. (2024). Statement on Financial Autonomy for Provinces. https://youtu.be/Q4xAwnSu41c?si=dV4PJjcof026fq2k
- National Economic Report. (2025). Economic Impact of Government Expansion in PNG. Bank of PNG Working Paper Series, PDF
