Not all official benefits can be extended to your woman – man NDC in Akufo-Addo

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications officer in the Savannah region, Malik Basintale, instructed the Akufo-Addo-led government to reject recommendations to pay monthly salaries to his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, and to the vice-president’s wife, Samira Bawumia.

Basintale stressed that the government was wrong to allow the wives of the president and his deputy to receive salaries as ministers, stressing that the implementation of the decision will further impoverish Ghanaians.

Parliament approved in 2019 a recommendation of a five-member committee that was set up in June 2019 by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to review the remuneration of Article 71 office holders.

The committee headed by Professor Yaa Ntiamoah-Baidu recommended that the wives of the president and his deputy be paid monthly like cabinet ministers.

But commenting on the issue that sparked controversy in social and traditional media, the NDC spokesperson said the Akufo-Addo government was on a mission to enrich a few families and friends of the country’s first family.

“Just because you hold a Section 71 office does not guarantee that your wife can also enjoy your benefits,” Basintale told King Nicholas on Inside Politics on Power FM.