Senior NPP member pleads for ex gratia removal of MPs

A prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Yaw Dabie Appiah Mensah, called for the elimination of ex gratia payments to MPs (MPs) every four years.

According to him, the current economic state of the nation amid the surge in coronavirus cases in the country requires the immediate removal of the huge emoluments paid to MPs.

“Because they are among the section 71 office holders whose salaries and emoluments are determined by committees set up by the president, and receive a huge lump sum ex gratia after each general election every year. four years.”

Speaking in an interview with the Ghanaian News Agency (GNA) in Odumase in Sunyani West Municipality, former nuclear power plant organizer Mr. Appiah said governments around the world were spending heavily to manage and contain Covid-19 and that Ghana might not rely too much on them for help flattening its Covid-19 curve.

“There is an urgent need for the nation to consider a realistic approach and generate more funds at the local level to proactively tackle Covid-19 and make Ghana safe for its people. I firmly believe that it is among these and other factors that President Nana Akufo-Addo reduced his ministerial portfolio to save the national coffers.

You believe with me that we are not in normal times and that everyone must sacrifice themselves for the national fight against this Covid-19, which has the potential to devastate and dry up the national economy.

If we don’t take drastic action, the nation is entering a huge economic crisis which will be extremely difficult to repair, ”added Mr. Appiah.

The former nuclear power plant organizer stressed that the Covid-19 had a huge impact on the nation and thus worsened the socio-economic conditions of many Ghanaians who currently live in abject poverty, saying it would be unfair and unreasonable for the nation to keep paying. ex gratia MPs while their constituents suffered from economic hardship.

“I am not painting the picture that MPs and other Rule 71 office holders do not deserve to be ex-gratia, but my brother, you will agree with me that President Akufo-Addo struggle and spend too much to contain this Covid-19 and at the same time to meet the development needs of populations.

“I think MPs have to sacrifice, if they truly represent the interests of their constituents in parliament. Other than that, I won’t feel their nationalistic ideals for the nation, ”Mr. Appiah said.

“But it’s also disheartening ordinary Ghanaian struggles in the streets just to afford three squared meals, while MPs who have to represent their interests return home every four years with this huge amount of money. It is unfair and President Bagbin and the house must do something about it, ”Mr. Appiah added.