The Unkept Promise: Mahama's Ex-Gratia Pledge in Question
John Mahama's bold pledge to eliminate ex-gratia payments upon his reelection as president has captivated the nation, but the silence surrounding its implementation raises concerns.
In the lead-up to the 2024 general election, Mahama vowed to end the retirement benefits of Article 71 officeholders, a move that garnered significant support from his party and the Ghanaian people. At the National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign launch on March 2, 2023, he passionately declared, "The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive under Article 71 will be scrapped." He promised to initiate the constitutional process for its abolition in 2025 and even persuade other branches of government to follow suit.
But here's where the plot thickens: a year into his presidency, the silence on this issue is deafening. Even the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), tasked with recommending the process for removing these retirement benefits, barely mentioned it in their final report to the president.
The CRC, led by Prof Henry Kwasi Prempeh, only suggested that an Independent Public Emoluments Commission should set the salaries of Article 71 officeholders. They proposed amendments to Article 71 (1) and (2), which currently empower the President and Parliament to determine the remuneration of top public officers, including the Speaker, Chief Justice, Auditor-General, and members of various commissions.
The commission's recommendations, however, seem to fall short of the president's promise to scrap ex-gratia. The question remains: how will Mahama's pledge be fulfilled?
And this is the part most people miss: the proposed amendments to Article 71 might be the 'necessary constitutional steps' Mahama alluded to. But a clear, official statement on the government's strategy to honor this promise is crucial for transparency and accountability.
This situation sparks a broader debate: when political promises meet the complexities of governance, how can we ensure accountability? Should we demand more detailed plans from candidates, or is it the responsibility of the electorate to hold leaders accountable after elections?
What do you think? Is Mahama's unkept promise a cause for concern, or is it a complex issue that requires patience and understanding? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's engage in a respectful dialogue on this intriguing topic.
