Mahama promises to abolish ex-gratia if elected

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to prohibit ex-gratia payments to public officials if won in the 2024 general elections.

He also promised to cut waste in his next government.

Mahama also promised to eliminate pay discrepancies between Article 71 officeholders and the rest of the public service.

“Abolish the payment of ex-gratia and cut out waste and ostentation in government. Address the disparities in the remuneration of Article 71 officeholders and the broader public service,” Mahama announced when he launched the NDC’s Manifesto in Winneba, Central Region, on Saturday, August 24.

Mahama also promised to establish an Independent Emoluments Commission, which would be formed by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. He explained that the new commission's goal is to ensure transparency and accountability in determining public officials' pay and benefits.

He explained that this new commission aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the determination of salaries and benefits for public officials.

“Establish an Independent Emoluments Commission by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission as the Constitutional Review Commission recommended," he added.

In Ghana, ex-gratia is a payment made to government employees every four years when a political party completes its full tenure.

Source :Lead News Online