I have just seen a news report titled “Really Sad What Politics can do to a fine mind”.
In this report, Ex-President Mahama berates me for calling on him to stop taking Ex-Gratia. It is my view that, ex-President Mahama can show he means business with his pledge to scrap Ex-Gratia enjoyed by article 71 office holders if he will forego his own Ex-Gratia benefits
I used the term "ex gratitude loosely to refer to what is officially titled: Facilities, Privileges and Benefits for Article 71 office holders.
In his rebuttal, Mahama says what he collects is not Ex-Gratia but a monthly pension. But I take President Mahama’s assertion that what he now takes is strictly, not Ex-Gratia, but a monthly Pension.
But President Mahama knows he does not just receive only some monthly pension.
The Article 71 entitlements or Facilities, Privileges and Benefits as enjoyed by an ex-President includes free fully furnished residence / or (40% of his salary in lieu), free fully furnished office, four staff paid by the state at the level of Deputy Minister, 24 hour security, four new chauffeur – driven vehicles changed every four years comprehensive insurance, two fully paid vacations with three other people every year, free water, free electricity, free telephone services, free medical and dental services.
The concern expressed by Ghanains has been about the burden on the taxpayer from this whole Article 71 perks, or Facilities, Privileges and Benefits. I wholly support a thorough review of this whole Article 71 burden.
So I fully endorse President Mahama’s sentiments. I only asked him to show leadership by reviewing his own entitlements in the light of the burden these present to the taxpayer and his plan to scrap the Ex-Gratia.
Even if President Mahama disagrees with me, I am sad that he chose to lace his disagreement with insults to my person, by implying politics had caused me to lose my “fine mind”.
The last time other citizens commented on this same sentiments of President Mahama, he met them with similar insults, calling them “Silly”.
I urge President Mahama, that if he wants to be President of Ghana again, he should refrain from insulting citizens.
I assure him I am still his friend and I still have a fine mind.
Source: Peacefmonline com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Part of Ghanas constitution is bogus especially the issue on ex-gratia, how can the state pays 40% rent to former president who resides in his own house? Change his four cars every 4 years and you complain of hardship? Is unthinkable , very shameful to hear people defending such day light robbery in the constitution, meanwhile the same person enjoying such benefits is complaining of hardship. Very greediness and dishonest politicians
Petty politicking of someone claiming to have a fine mind. I am surprised that Nana Akomea will take exception to being referred to as "silly". We know his record versus Hon Mahama Ayariga on news file. He indeed has a short memory but the internet has forgotten his insults on live radio. Just get off your high horse and admit that you erred and let the world move on.