CJA demonstrates against Ex-President's ex-gratia

Accra, Feb.3, GNA - The Committee for Joint Action (CJA), a pressure group on Tuesday embarked on demonstration to kick against what it termed the "profligate retirement benefits" for ex-presidents and other public office holders contained in the Chinery-Hesse Committee report.

The group said the payment of this ex-gratia to few public officials would cost the nation several trillions of cedis at a time when resources were needed to cater for the needs of the people such as good health, education, jobs and portable water.

At about 7.00 am some of the demonstrators had gathered at the Holy Gardens, Kwame Nkrumah Circle carrying placards whiles others came in groups drumming and singing.

Some of the placards carried by the marchers read, "President Mills make Ghana corruption free", "Kufuor, there is only one President", Kufuor wants to kill us, We no go sit down", and "The abaa for Rawlings the same for Kufuor".

Even though the number of marchers of were not as huge as previous demonstrations organized by the CJA, those who came were determined to send the message home.

At around 9.00 am the march took off from the Obra Spot with heavy police security through the Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to the Farisco traffic light, Tudu, the TUC headquarters through to the National Theatre, the Ministries traffic light, the Ohene-Djan stadium and to the Castle junction.

At the Castle junction some members of the leadership of the CJA and journalists were allowed into the Castle to send their petition to the government.

Dr Omane Boamah, who led the group, asked the Mills-led administration to review the Chinery-Hesse Committee report on facilities and privileges for office holders Article 71. He said the CJA was deeply concern that in the face of the poor state of the national economy and the high levels of poverty among the people, the Chinery-Hesse Committee recommended such high levels of emolument and retirement benefits for some categories of public office holders.

He said public service should not become a self-serving exercise designed to feather the nests of the elite but rather to serve the interests and aspirations of the people, especially the poor. The group asked the Atta Mills administration not to implement the Chinery-Hesse Report but rather set up a new committee to review that report with a view to recommending reasonable retirement benefits for public officials including ex-Presidents. The CJA said the government should send the approved report to Parliament for consideration and institute a broad framework for pay and benefits for public officers for the long-term. Mr Martey Newman, the Chief of Staff who received the petition on behalf of President John Evans Atta-Mills assured the group that the President would act decisively on their petition. He said President Atta Mills is there to serve all Ghanaians and bring prosperity to all.