“No more ex-gratia payments” -Mahama vows as he unveils plans for salary reforms

John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, has reiterated his pledge to eliminate ex-gratia payments to public officials if elected in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at the NDC’s Manifesto launch in Winneba on Saturday, August 24, Mahama also committed to reducing government waste and addressing salary disparities between Article 71 officeholders and the broader public service.

Mahama announced his intention to abolish ex-gratia payments, which are given to government employees every four years at the end of a political party’s term. He also promised to cut out waste and extravagance in government operations.

“Abolish the payment of ex-gratia and cut out waste and ostentation in government. Address the disparities in the remuneration of Article 71 officeholders and the broader public service.” 

Additionally, Mahama proposed the creation of an Independent Emoluments Commission, formed by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. This new body, he said, would enhance transparency and accountability in setting salaries and benefits for public officials, in line with recommendations from the Constitutional Review Commission.

“Establish an Independent Emoluments Commission by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission as the Constitutional Review Commission recommended.”