Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, has strongly advocated for abolishing ex-gratia payments to Article 71 officeholders, citing its failure to fulfil its original anti-corruption purpose.
Speaking at a public forum in Kumasi commemorating the 30th anniversary of Ghana’s Fourth Republican Parliament, Bagbin reiterated that ex-gratia payments were initially intended to assure public servants and political officeholders that their needs would be met after leaving office. This assurance aimed to prioritize public interests over personal gain.
However, Bagbin acknowledged that the payments have not effectively curbed corruption as intended. He emphasized the need to amend Article 71 of the Constitution to eliminate these payments, describing them as unnecessary in the current dispensation.
“The founders envisaged a situation where they wanted to assure a particular category of public servants, including political officeholders, that their decisions on behalf of the people would be rewarded after leaving office,” Bagbin stated. “Regrettably, this concept has not served its purpose in practice.”
Bagbin also clarified that ex-gratia payments extend beyond members of parliament, encompassing various public servants and political figures, including ministers, constitutional commission chairpersons, and judiciary officials.
Expressing his support for those advocating for the removal of Article 71, Bagbin highlighted its ineffectiveness in combating corruption and called for legislative action to address the issue decisively.
“As someone involved in national leadership and governance, I agree with those who propose the abolition of Article 71. It has become evident that maintaining this provision serves no useful purpose,” Bagbin concluded.
The Speaker’s remarks underscored the ongoing debate surrounding public accountability and fiscal responsibility within Ghana’s political framework, signalling a potential shift in policy regarding post-service benefits for public officials.
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