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Aspiring Presidential candidate for the largest opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama has promised to scrap the payment of ex-gratia under Article 71 to members of the Executive should he be re-elected in the 2024 elections.

“The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped. The necessary Constitutional steps to take this will start in earnest in 2025. We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal,” he said during the launch of his campaign which took place in the Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, in the Volta Region on Thursday, March 2.

Mr. Mahama said he will take the necessary steps to scrap the payment as soon as he assumes power.

Former President John Dramani Mahama believes he is the best person to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the next general election.

He also promised to restore the trust in state institutions by addressing “issues pertaining to the exercise of powers of the President, proper separation of powers, strengthening of Parliament, restoring the independence of the judiciary, independent and quasi-state institutions and depoliticizing them."

“These will take the centre stage of the new administration,” he added.

Payment of Ex gratia

Article 71 public office holders include members of the Executive, Parliament and the Judiciary.

The payment of ex-gratia to especially members of the Executive including the President, Vice President Ministers of State and Parliamentarians including the Speaker of Parliament after every four years has been on the top burner of public discussions over the years with many expressing varied views on whether or not it should be scrapped.