The Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr. Clement Apaak has called on the government and critics to support the call by former President John Mahama for scrapping ex-gratia rather than attacking him.
Former President John Mahama has promised to scrap ex-gratia for the Executive arm of government if he is elected the Flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and wins the 2024 Presidential election.
The former President made this known in the Volta Region on Thursday while launching his campaign to lead the NDC as its Flagbearer.
However, Mr. Mahama has been criticized by a section of the public and the communicators of the governing party.
Some have also asked him to return the ex-gratia he has taken in the past, a call the former President has described as ‘silly’.
Commenting on the development in a statement, the Builsa South MP questioned the rationale behind the attacks on the former President for serving a notice to scrap the ex-gratia when given the opportunity to serve the nation again.
“Suprised the Nana Akufo-Addo, Bawumia NPP government is attacking John Mahama for proposing to scrap ex-gratia? Don’t be, they have made their wives (1st and 2nd Ladies) and other appendages beneficiaries of article 71 emoluments. This has never happened, it’s the first in the history of Ghana.
“The NPP/Bawumia government, those seeking to be Flagbearers included, should tell Ghanaians their position on the issue and stop attacking John Mahama. So because John Mahama is a beneficiary of ex-gratia he has no right to work towards scrapping it, what logic?” Mr. Apaak queried.
He continued: “In fact, it’s precisely because he is a beneficiary and yet wants to see it gone is the reason why he must be commended. It takes selflessness to advocate against a benefit you enjoy, but John Mahama will do it in the collective interest. This is the mark of servant leadership.
“I have been and remain a beneficiary of ex-gratia as an article 71 office holder. I served as a Presidential Staffer, and now a two term MP. I support John Mahama’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!.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM
