Presidential aspirant of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the second deputy Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin has stated he will scrap the payment of end-of-tenure benefits known as ex gratia if voted as President
The payment of ex-gratia to former public office holders particularly former presidents have generated public interest with many calling for it to be scrapped.
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In support, Alban Bagbin on Accra-based Citi FM said the payment of ex gratia is not serving the purpose for which it was created.
“As President, I will do away with the whole idea of ex gratia because I don’t think that it’s serving the purpose for which it was established. It’s a complete waste. Its contract employment and the contract will identify your entitlements but not ex gratia” he stated.
Hon. Bagbin who is also the Member of Parliament for Nadowli maintained that, payment of ex-gratia is a drain on the national finances thus should be scrapped.
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About ex-gratia
Article 71 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that the salaries and allowances of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary paid from the Consolidated Fund would be determined by the President, on the recommendations of a committee of not more than five persons appointed by him and acting upon the advice of the Council of State.
Article 71 office holders include the President, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court.
The rest are Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers of State, political appointees and public servants with salaries charged to the Consolidated Fund but enjoying special constitutional privileges.