Mr. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament, has called for the abolition of ex-gratia payments to parliamentarians and government appointees, stating that the initiative has outlived its relevance.
Mr. Bagbin noted that ex-gratia payments, introduced under Article 71, were initially meant to curb or reduce corruption among public officials and political officers. However, the situation has only worsened.
He pointed out that corruption continues to spread among political holders and public officers in the current democratic dispensation. His stance is to remove the ex-gratia payments without any impediments.
Speaking at a public forum in Kumasi as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the 4th Republic, Mr. Bagbin expressed his readiness to support the amendment of Article 71 of the Constitution to abolish ex-gratia payments to public officials.
The theme for the anniversary is “Thirty Years of Parliamentary Democracy under the Fourth Republic: The Journey Thus Far.”
The forum aimed to provide an opportunity for Parliament to analyze its achievements, acknowledge challenges, and recount the principles of democracy, justice, and equality that have guided the nation over the past thirty years. It also served as a reminder of the progress made in the past three decades and the need to continue strengthening democratic institutions and processes.
Mr. Bagbin indicated that the initial purpose of ex-gratia payments was to ensure that the needs of political office holders were taken care of after leaving active service. However, these payments have not curbed inducements and corruption.
He emphasized that the public needed to understand that ex-gratia payments were not only for parliamentarians but also involved other public servants. “There’s a difference between ex gratia and gratuity, and it’s not for members of Parliament alone. It cuts across a category of public servants and political officeholders, including the Auditor General, chairpersons of all the constitutional commissions, ministers of state, the presidency, judiciary, and others, not just members of Parliament,” he stressed.
In practice, Mr. Bagbin said, ex-gratia payments have not served their intended purpose, and he fully agrees with those who advocate for the removal of Article 71 of the Constitution.
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