The Ex-Gratia of “Prof. Mills as a Vice-President from 1996-2000

For the past three weeks, the topic of the ex-gratia to be paid in accordance with the Chinery-Hesse report has been the main talking point on radio, television and in the press. On Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Programme this morning 17th February, 2009, the resource persons discussed the topic once again during the discussion the following letter was read by Mr Kwesi Pratt, the Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper.

It was a letter sent to Prof. Mills by the NPP government on his entitlement as a Vice President from 1996 – 2000. The letter was written and signed by J.O. Obetsebi-Lamptey, the then Minister for Presidential Affairs and Chief of Staff on April 9, 2001, on behalf of a cabinet sub-committee comprising the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Minister for Interior, Secretary to the President and the former Chief of Staff (NDC government).

THE LETTER

“April 9, 2001

Prof. J.E. Atta Mills Accra.

Dear Professor Mills,

This is further to our meeting last week on your entitlements on leaving office.

1. As I informed you, the President has set up a cabinet sub-committee to look into the matter and make recommendations.

This is because of the situation created by the “Greenstreet Reports.” To wit:

a. The report of June 1998 and approved by Parliamentary committee excluded the Vice President from any retirement benefits with the exception of the ESB/Ex-Gratia payment. This was on the grounds that the Vice President was free to work whilst an ex-President was not, after leaving office.

b. The June 2000 “Greenstreet Recommendations” which provided for the Vice President but are apparently not yet approved by Parliament?

2. While awaiting the decision of the President on the matter, I am proposing that the government provide you with:

a. “one car appropriate for a retired Vice President.”

b. A two-man police guard, 24 hours per day: These would guard your residence and/or act as an armed escort.

The police personnel would be subject to your veto or selection if possible.

I have noted that you have two policemen who have served you since 1996 in whom you have confidence and that these two should be amongst those detailed to you.

3. I am assured that the cabinet sub-committee will complete its work in the shortest possible time.

4. I also confirm receipt of your diplomatic passport No. D00001560 and your need for a new passport to be able to travel out by 19/4/01.

Yours sincerely,

J.O. OBETSEBI-LAMPTEY MINISTER FOR PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS & CHIEF OF STAFF

Cc: Hon Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Minister for Interior Secretary to the President Former Chief of Staff (NDC Government)”

Critically examining the above letter, the ex-gratia given to Prof. Mills according to the letter was temporary as it states “while awaiting the decision of the president on the matter, I am proposing that the government provide you with

a. One car appropriate for a retired Vice President

b. A two-man police guard, 24 hours per day”