Ghana’s Parliament has convened behind closed doors to discuss the emoluments for high-ranking public officials, including members of the executive and judiciary, under the provisions of Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution. The session comes as the country continues to grapple with the fairness and transparency of the current system.

Article 71 governs the salaries, allowances, and benefits of key officeholders, such as the President, Vice President, Speaker of Parliament, Deputy Speakers, Members of Parliament (MPs), and the judiciary, including the Chief Justice and other senior judges. Under the article, these officials are paid salaries in arrears, with their pay rates determined based on prior approvals from a committee. At the end of their tenure, they also receive ex gratia payments, calculated using a specific formula.

The responsibility for approving these benefits is shared between Parliament and the executive. While Parliament determines the emoluments for the executive and judiciary, the executive, in turn, approves the benefits for MPs, the Speaker, and Deputy Speakers. This reciprocal arrangement has drawn criticism for lacking transparency and accountability, with critics accusing both branches of government of favouring each other.

The issue of ex gratia payments for public officials has long been contentious. Critics argue that the arrangement is out of step with the financial realities faced by the country, particularly when compared to the limited benefits available to ordinary public sector workers. Calls for constitutional reform to review the system have intensified in recent years, but political will for change remains uncertain.

In response to mounting public pressure, former President John Mahama has pledged to scrap the ex gratia arrangement if he returns to office.

The debate continues to spark heated discussions as Ghana navigates the complex balance between compensating its top officials and addressing the economic concerns of ordinary citizens.

Source:TheDotNews