The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been challenged to state their position regarding the ex-gratia payment to Article 71 officeholders.
Former president John Dramani Mahama stated in a tweet published on March 5, 2023, that the NPP should state their position on the issue that is dear to every Ghanaian rather than criticizing his promise to end ex-gratia.
“Does the NPP support my call for the elimination of ex gratia payments to executive members or not?” sections of the tweet
A video of Mahama presenting his proposal to end ex-gratia to delegates of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ketu South in the Volta Region was included in the tweet that he shared.
Promise to end gratuity and lead a streamlined government:
When he becomes president again, former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to end the retirement benefit known as ex-gratia that Executive officeholders receive under Article 71.
In the first year of his administration, he claims, his government will begin constitutional processes to end ex-gratia.
The former president made these remarks on Thursday at the start of his campaign to be the NDC’s flagbearer. He also said that his government would work to get rid of ex-gratia benefits for appointees in other branches of government.
Article 71’s provision for ex-gratia payments to executive members will be eliminated. Additionally, in 2025, the necessary constitutional steps to eliminate that payment will begin in earnest.
He added, “We will also begin the process of persuading the other arms of government other than the executive to accept the removal of this ex-gratia payment.” He was referring to the executive branch.
Additionally, Mahama stated that his administration would concentrate on ensuring the separation of powers among the three branches of government and reducing the president’s authority: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
In addition, he stated that he would lead the smallest government Ghana has ever seen in the Fourth Republic, with no more than 60 ministers and deputy ministers.
The public has largely accepted Mahama’s promise to end ex-gratia, but his most ardent adversaries, including members of the ruling New Patriotic Party, have questioned his honesty and the motivation behind his promise.
As a result, some of the former president’s detractors have dreaded him to return all of the money he has received over the years as evidence of his commitment to his promise to end ex-gratia.
