Kamal-Deen Abdulai, a deputy communication director for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has said former president Mahama’s promise to scrap ex-gratia if elected president only opens him up for ridicule because he couldn’t forfeit his own payment.
Appearing on Asaase 99.5 Accra’s news analysis show, The Forum, on Saturday (4 March), Abdulai said “Having lacked the prudence to even let go of his own emoluments and then making a moral argument of scrapping it (ex-gratia) when given power only opens the former president up for ridicule.”
“I think that if Mahama had stated that with the current state of the economy he’s letting go of his ex-gratia then follows with scrapping it when given power, that would make sense to anybody listening.”
Abdulai added “But with him not showing the prudence to let go of that which he is being paid and is enjoying then turning to claim that he will scrap it makes no sense.”
Watch the full programme in the attached video clip below:
Scrapping
Former president John Dramani Mahama said he will scrap the controversial ex-gratia paid to Article 71 officeholders if he becomes president come 2025.
Mahama said he will also reduce the number of political office holders under Article 71 if voted to be president.
Speaking at the launch of his campaign to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahama said, “In response to the calls from many of you, we will initiate and undertake the most far-reaching constitution, political and governance reforms that will restore confidence in our democracy.”
“We will continue and conclude the constitutional review that was begun by the late President Atta Mills which will include a review of the controversial Article 71. To reduce the number of office holders under Article 71 and reduce the disparities, privileges and emoluments vis-à-vis the public sector and civil service,” he said.
Mahama added, “The payment of ex-gratia of the Executive under Article 71 will be scrapped.”
This will be the second attempt that Mahama will make to return to power.
The former president also joins former Finance Minister, Dr Kwabena Duffuor, former Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu and businessman, Ernest Kwaku Krobea for the flagbearer position of the opposition NDC.
