Former President John Mahama, who left office in 2020, receives a monthly pension of Gh¢22,000 and a lump sum of Gh¢250,000 as ex-gratia, according to Joyce Bawa Mogtari, his special aide.
Mogtari revealed this during an interview on GHOne, in response to Mahama’s recent promise to scrap ex-gratia for members of the executive if he is re-elected in the 2024 elections.
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Mahama made this pledge during the launch of his campaign at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta Region on March 2, 2023. He stated that he would begin the necessary constitutional processes to scrap ex-gratia payments as soon as he assumes office in 2025.
He also indicated that he would persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal.
Ex-gratia payments have long been a contentious issue in Ghana, with some critics arguing that they constitute an unjustifiable drain on public resources. These payments are made to public officials who have completed their tenure in office, in recognition of their service to the nation.
In light of the economic challenges facing the country, Mahama’s proposal to scrap ex-gratia payments has been welcomed by some Ghanaians, who see it as a step towards reducing government expenditure. However, others have expressed concern that this move may make it difficult to attract competent individuals to public office.
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In any case, Mahama’s promise to scrap ex-gratia payments is likely to be a major issue in the upcoming 2024 elections, as voters weigh the pros and cons of this controversial practice.
