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John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has reiterated his commitment to eliminating ex-gratia payments for public officials if elected in the 2024 general elections.
Mahama also vowed to tackle wasteful spending in his next administration. He emphasized his intent to address the imbalances in the salaries of Article 71 officeholders compared to those in the broader 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 declared during the launch of the NDC’s Manifesto in Winneba, Central Region, on Saturday, August 24.
In addition, Mahama pledged to establish an Independent Emoluments Commission by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.
He explained that this new commission would aim to bring transparency and accountability to how salaries and benefits for public officials are determined.
“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 stated.
In Ghana, ex-gratia refers to a payment made to government employees every four years upon the completion of a political party’s full term.