Stop enjoying Article 71 benefits now if you indeed want to scrap it - Allotey Jacob tells Mahama

Former Central Regional Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) Allotey Jacob has urged Flagbearer of the party, John Mahama, to demonstrate his commitment to scrap Article 71 if he's elected as President by stopping to enjoy the benefits of the constitutional provision with immediate effect.

John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to abolishing ex-gratia payments to public officials if elected in the 2024 general elections.

He also pledged to cut waste in his next administration and address the disparities in remuneration between Article 71 officeholders and the broader public service.

“Abolish the payment of ex-gratia and cut out waste and ostentation in government. Address the disparities in the remuneration of Article 71 officeholders and the broader public service,” Mahama announced when he launched the NDC’s manifesto in Winneba, Central Region, on Saturday, August 24.

Mahama further pledged to establish an Independent Emoluments Commission, which will be created by merging the Presidential Commission on Emoluments and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission.

But commenting on the issue on Peace FM, monitored by GhanaWeb, Allotey Jacob said Ghanaians will take John Mahama seriously on his word when he acts now.

"Mr. Mahama has said the next NDC government will scrap or abolish Article 71, from which many people benefit. When Bawumia announced details of the NPP manifesto, some said he should start implementing it now. He has responded that he does not hold the power to implement the policies outlined in the manifesto. But when he is elected president, he will implement the policies in the manifesto. So, if former John Mahama has said he'll ensure Article 71 is scrapped, he should publicly inform Ghanaians that he has, with immediate effect, stopped enjoying the benefits of being an Article 71 office holder so that Ghanaians can believe in him. That's a simple logic." Allotey Jacob said.