Rawlings may lose more privileges

Reports say Mr. Jerry John Rawlings may lose the privileges he currently enjoy as former president due to his recent public statements, which have caused a lot of stir in the country.

The reports say the government may be compelled to withdraw certain courtesies he has been enjoying.

A report carried in “The Independent” suggests that the government may instruct Ghana’s foreign missions not to provide courtesies to the former president when he travels.

Already, a letter dated Monday, August 12, 2002signed by Chief of Staff, Kojo Mpiani and addressed to Mr. Rawlings’ special aide, Victor Smith has demanded the immediate return of all vehicles except one in the possession of the former president.

The letter, which was delivered on Thursday, August 15, 2002, drew attention to an earlier correspondence to that effect. The letter said the former president has several cars in his possession contrary to the recommendations of the Professor Greenstreet Committee.

The Greenstreet Committee provided that “The state shall provide, maintain and comprehensively insure and fuel a chauffeur-driven car appropriate for a head of state”.

Article 71 (2) of the Constitution provides that “The salaries and allowances payable, and the facilities available, to the president, the vice-president…being expenditure charged on the consolidated fund, shall be determined by Parliament on the recommendations of the committee.

Rawlings’ aide has expressed concern about the developments and said “we don’t mind even queuing when the former president is traveling, but government should appreciate that things may change after elections and so there is no need to vary anything.”

When reached on the issue, minority leader, Alban Bagbin confirmed that Parliament upon deliberations on the recommendations of the Greenstreet report approved the proposition of one chauffeur-driven vehicle for a retiring head of state among others.

“We varied some of the committee’s recommendations to even include spouses of former heads of state. At the moment, we do not even know what is at the disposal of the former president,” Bagbin said.

He also noted that as per Article 68 (9), “The pension payable to the president and the facilities available to him shall not be varied to his disadvantage during his lifetime,” and cautioned that the facilities and privileges referred to…are not subject to good behaviour unless we look at the law again.”

Government spokesman, Kwabena Agyepong has however denied that Rawlings is being stripped of any privileges. “We are not stripping him of anything. We are only going by the books. We bent over in the name of a smooth transition, we allowed him to take those cars but his conduct has shown that he is not worthy of such treatment.”