Builsa South Member of Parliament, Dr. Clement Apaak has supported the call for the scrapping of ex-gratia for Article 71 office holders.
His support comes after the pledge by former President John Dramani Mahama during his campaign launch last week to scrap the ex-gratia if he is re-elected as president.
Speaking at the launch of his campaign which took place in the Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, in the Volta Region on Thursday, March 2, Mr. Mahama said he will take the necessary steps to scrap the payment as soon as he assumes power.
“The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped. The necessary Constitutional steps to take this will start in earnest in 2025. We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal.”
He has since been ridiculed by some politicians and other individuals who have asked him to return his ex-gratia if he meant what he said.
But Dr. Apaak says he must be commended and supported for such a bold and firm decision to scrap ex-gratia for the good of all Ghanaians.
He has since asked other beneficiaries to also support the decision.
“I have been and remain a beneficiary of ex-gratia as an article 71 office holder. I served as a Prez Staffer, and now a two-term MP. I support JM’s call, as also called for by Ghanaians, to scrap it. We the beneficiaries must lead the charge to scrap it in the national interest!”
He added “The NPP/Bawumia NPP gov’t, those seeking to be Flagbearers included, should tell Ghanaians their position on the issue and stop attacking JM.
So because JM is a beneficiary of ex-gratia he has no right to work towards scrapping it, what logic? In fact, it’s precisely because he is a beneficiary and yet wants to see it gone is the reason he must be commended.
It takes selflessness to advocate against a benefit you enjoy, but JM will do it in the collective interest. This is the mark of servant leadership.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
