Former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has responded to Nana Akomea, Managing Director of the State Transport Corporation (STC), who asked him not to accept ex-gratia money from the state.
Nana Akomea stated his aim to abolish ex-gratia when Mr Mahama comes to power during an appearance on Peace FM’s ‘Kokrokoo’ programme.
Mr Mahama responded to Mr Akomea’s remarks on Friday by clarifying that he does not receive ex-gratia. In contrast to Mr Akomea’s allegation, he indicated that he received a monthly pension.
He tweeted: “My friend Nana Akomea. Really sad what politics can do to a fine mind! I don’t take ex-gratia. I receive a monthly pension.”
When public officials or political officeholders leave their jobs, they are usually given ex-gratia payments.
Mr Akomea’s remark comes on the heels of Mr Mahama’s announcement last month at the launch of his presidential campaign for election in 2024 that one of the first things he will do as President is abolished the payment of ex-gratia to members of the Executive under Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution. Members of the Executive, Parliament, and the Judiciary are all eligible for public office under Article 71.
Mr Mahama stated that he will take the appropriate constitutional processes to remove members of the Executive in 2025.
He stated that the required efforts will be made to persuade members of the other branches of government to approve the elimination of ex-gratia payments.
His reasoning is that it is a burden on the public purse, and hence its removal is intended to guarantee the prudent use of public monies.
“The payments of ex gratia to members of the Executive under Article 71 will be scrapped and the necessary constitutional steps to abolish that payment will start in earnest in 2025… persuading the other arms of government other than the Executive to accept the removal of ex gratia,” he said.
