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Former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to eliminate ex-gratia, the retirement benefit given to Article 71 officeholders, including members of the Executive, when he becomes president again.
Speaking at the launch of his campaign bid to become the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahama stated that his government would initiate the necessary constitutional procedures to eliminate ex-gratia in the first year of his administration, including those given to appointees under other government arms.
Additionally, Mahama promised to reduce the president’s powers and ensure the separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. He also promised to run the leanest government Ghana has ever had in the 4th Republic, with a maximum of 60 ministers and deputy ministers. Mahama stressed that his administration would prioritize the completion of unfinished projects rather than starting new ones.
Mahama’s campaign message seems to focus on his intention to reduce government spending and minimize waste. His proposal to abolish ex-gratia for Article 71 officeholders, including members of the Executive, could potentially save the country significant amounts of money.
The former president’s promise to reduce the size of his government also suggests that he is committed to cutting down on government expenditure.
