Accra, Ghana – The Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has sparked a national conversation by advocating for the abolition of ex-gratia payments for Article 71 officeholders. According to Bagbin, these payments have become outdated and no longer serve their original purpose of combating corruption.
Speaking at a Public forum in Kumasi to mark thirty (30) years of parliamentary democracy under the Fourth (4th) Republic, Mr. Bagbin explained that ex-gratia payments were initially introduced to ensure that public servants and political officeholders were taken care of after leaving office. This was intended to encourage them to prioritize the people’s interests over personal gain. However, Bagbin acknowledged that in practice, this has not been the case, and the payments have not effectively curbed corruption.
Bagbin’s call for abolition has sparked a mix of reactions from various stakeholders. Some have praised his bold stance, while others have raised concerns about the potential implications for public servants and political officeholders.
As the debate unfolds, Ghanaians are eagerly waiting to see how the government will respond to Bagbin’s proposal. Will ex-gratia payments become a thing of the past, or will they continue to be a contentious issue in Ghana’s political landscape? Only time will tell.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
