Ex-President John Dramani Mahama has promised to scrap ex-gratia for the Executive arm of government if he is elected the Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress(NDC) and wins the 2024 Presidential election.
The former President made this known in the Volta Region on Thursday while launching his campaign to lead the NDC as its Flagbearer.
“In response to the concerns from many of you, we will initiate and undertake the most far-reaching constitutional, political, and governance reforms that will restore confidence in our democracy. We will continue and bring to conclusion the Constitutional review process to reduce the number of office holders under Article 71, and reduce the disparities in privileges and emoluments vis a vis the public sector and civil service.”
“The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive under Article 71 will be scrapped. It will start in earnest in 2025. We will also begin the process of persuading the other arms of government other than the executive to accept the removal of these ex-gratia payments. Issues pertaining to the excessive powers of the President, proper separation of powers, strengthening of Parliament, restoring the independence of the Judiciary, independent and quasi-independent state institutions and depoliticizing them will take centre statge of the new administration,” Mr Mahama stated.