MPs Claim to Be Under Paid

Some members of Parliament are reported to have suggested that a fair reward for their parliamentary work will be something in the region of GHc7,000 (70 million old Ghana Cedis) a month, describing the $2,000 (about 30 million old Ghana Cedis) they currently receive as "embarrassing" .

The case for a pay rise for MPs has been staunchly defended by members from across the political party divide, but does not seem to enjoy the support of the public, most of who see the increase the MPs are seeking as outrageous.

"What they are asking for might seem pretty high within the Ghanaian context, but what is most interesting is the fact that, this is one of the very few moments when parliament bury their party differences in defense of a common interest, and certainly, if they can do same on matters of national interest, this country will be better off" observed George Baah Koranteng, an Accra-based governance consultant.

Members of Parliament are said to have gone into a close-door meeting on proposals for the revision of their emoluments last Friday. The revision of the emoluments of members of parliament which has dominated the headlines throughout the week gone by, is in line with article 71 (1a) of the 1992 Constitution which has to do with the salaries and allowances payable and the facilities and privileges available to the Speaker and Deputy Speakers and members of Parliament.

"The salary scale of the Ghanaian MP is embarrassing...it is not enough for an MP to receive 2,000 dollars a month," The New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, Nana Akomea is reported to have told the GNA last Friday, with Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, Deputy Majority Leader and NDC member for Wa Central, describing MPs salary as too small.

Explaining his point, Nana Akomea is said to have argued that, there is a criterion that is used to determine the salary level, and this include a look at the relativity with regards to public and civil service salary structure or the general salary level.

Nana Akomea questioned which category an MP was equivalent to, "is it a Managing Director or an Editor of a Public Media organisation?"

The proposals once adopted by the House will have to be endorsed by the President, and charged to the consolidated fund as prescribed by the constitution.