Double Salary Saga; Government creating bad blood - Bagbin

Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Kingsford Alban Sumana Bagbin says government is trying to create bad blood between itself and the parties involved in the double salary saga.

He says government has not been honest with Ghanaians about discussions and issues concerning the MPs double salary.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has grilled some Members of Parliament (MPs) who served as ministers in the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over the raging double salary scandal.

They were reportedly cautioned with a charge of stealing and are to reappear before the CID on May 14.

The former appointees, according to reports, are Minister of State in-Charge of Social and Allied Institutions, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe Ghansah, who is NDC MP for Ada East; Second Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Eric Opoku, NDC MP for Asunafo South and Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister and Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, NDC MP for Tamale Central and Minister of Roads and Highways.

The former NDC appointees are being accused of taking double salaries as ministers and MPs while serving in government under President John Mahama.

But speaking on Okay FM's 'Ade Akye Abia' programme, the Nadowli Kaleo Member of Parliament noted the matter could have been handled at the parliamentary level hence no need to institute investigations into the matter

According to him the payment system is shrouded with challenges and has been so since 1993.

"I have been short changed several times when it comes to my salary and emoluments several times with my long stay in parliament but I have never complained.

"I can tell you that, this issue of double salary has not been honestly pursued by the government", he said.

"I expect and will allow a full investigation into the matter for a comprehensive report to be produced by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service so that it does not occur again," he added.

He thinks there are attempts to erode his presidential ambition.

"But you know, the same thing happened to successful political leaders.

"Though my name has been mentioned several times as having enjoyed double salary, I have not been invited by the police, but am ready to avail my self to police any time they so wish to invite me", he added.

Presidential Ambition

Speaking on his presidential ambition and the unity walks been organized by his party, he explained that his party is repeating the same mistakes that sent them into opposition.

"We have as a party designed and outlined proper processes to unify and recapture power but we are doing something different and repeating the very things that sent the party into opposition."

He however added that he is in talks with his foot soldiers and council of elders and will soon declare his intentions to contest for the flagbearership of the party.