Former president John Mahama
Former president John Mahama

Former President John Dramani Mahama has re-echoed the promise that the next NDC administration will run a lean government with far less ministers than Ghana has ever seen.

He stressed that Ghanaians will see a massive cut in waste and exercise of frugality in everything government does, should his party take over the reins of power in 2024.

This was contained in response issued by the former President’s office to claims made by Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe (Abronye DC) that he[Mahama] took home the fattest ex-gratia amounting to GHC14 million in 2013.

“It is a porous response to John Mahama’s promise to urgently re-look and review issues related to the emoluments of Article 71 office holders including ex-gratia payments,” a Statement signed by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Special Aide to John Dramani Mahama said.

It also flatly denied the claims by Abronye DC saying the former leader never took such ex-gratia payment of GHC14 million in 2013 or at any other time during his 25 years of public service.

“Fortunately, ex-gratia payments are a matter of public record and are available in the office of the Chief of Staff or the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.

“We challenge the office of the Chief of Staff and the Presidency to provide proof of the payment of any such amount and stop using idle miscreants among its ranks to spread falsehood.”