NPP blew GHC1.5 billion on 963 Presidential staffers in 2017- Anita Desoso

Former National Women’s Organiser of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anita Desoso is alleging that the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) blew a total of GH¢1.5 billion on 963 Presidential staffers in 2017 alone.

According to her, the latest figure suddenly ballooned to 1,697 in 2018 contrary to the 998 presented to parliament indicating that government intends to spend a total of GH¢1.9 billion on staffers; accusing the Akufo-Addo led government of public deceit.

Speaking on Kumasi-based Bohye Fm hosted Agya Yaw Obeng, the National Vice Chairperson of the NDC accused the current government of being economical with the truth in respect of the exact numbers of Presidential Staffers the government has engaged.

She disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama between 2013 and 2016 spent a total of GH¢1.8 billion on his staffers but the current administration is using quadruple the same amount just for a year.

“In 2013 Mahama spent GH¢312 million, 2014 GH¢326 million, 2015 GH¢453 million and in 2016 spent GH¢718 million making a total of GH¢1.8 billion. But the NPP has spent GH¢1.5billion in 2017 and has budgeted GH¢ 1.9 billion for 2018”, she alleged.

Madam Anita Desoso jabbed the Akufo-Addo administration indicating that it is being governed by lies.

“When you start your life with lies your will progress and end with same lies and be exposed. If NPP is claiming presidential staffers are less than what Mahama employed then they are lying. Mahama had 678 staffers inclusive of civil servants but they have 1,697 and claim it is 998”, she further alleged.

The NDC leader advised the current government to hide under its inefficiencies to blame the NDC for its woes since the government is gradually beginning to lose favour with Ghanaians.

President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo late last week presented to Parliament, a list of the total number of employees at the Presidency.

The release of the list is in compliance with Section 11 of the Presidential Office Act, 1993 (Act 463), which requires the President to submit annually to Parliament, a report on the staffing position of the Office of the President.

The breakdown was given as nine ministers of state, 27 presidential staffers, 256 other/junior appointees and 706 employees of public/civil service staff.