MP's, "Have We Stolen Anybody’s Money?"

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TOGBE GANYO. 12 years ago

YES YOU HAVE STOLEN THE GHANAIAN'S MONEY. MPS SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES , WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR THE PEOPLE.SOME MPS I KNOW HAVE NOT SPOKEN A WORD, HAVE NOT ASK A THINNG DURING 8YEARS TERM IN PARLIAMENT, BUT IS GOING TO GET GHC2 ...
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YES YOU HAVE STOLEN THE GHANAIAN'S MONEY. MPS SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES , WHAT HAVE THEY DONE FOR THE PEOPLE.SOME MPS I KNOW HAVE NOT SPOKEN A WORD, HAVE NOT ASK A THINNG DURING 8YEARS TERM IN PARLIAMENT, BUT IS GOING TO GET GHC200,000.00. FOR WHAT??. STAND UP GHANAIANS.
Bright 12 years ago

Coup.......solves all these problems.

Coup.......solves all these problems.
Kyei Baffour 12 years ago

Why do we pay the President and the ministers soon much when they virtually get everything free.

Why do we pay the President and the ministers soon much when they virtually get everything free.
JACKUZZIE-BABY KEKE 12 years ago

YES THE MPs HAVE STOLEN MONEY MEANT FOR THE POOR AND LEAVING WE THE POOR TO CONTINUE BEING DEPRIVED OD BASIC NEEDS LIKE WATER, POWER, HEALTH, MEDICATION AND ALL THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. WHY SUCH A WICKED AND GREEDY ACT. AND T ...
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YES THE MPs HAVE STOLEN MONEY MEANT FOR THE POOR AND LEAVING WE THE POOR TO CONTINUE BEING DEPRIVED OD BASIC NEEDS LIKE WATER, POWER, HEALTH, MEDICATION AND ALL THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE. WHY SUCH A WICKED AND GREEDY ACT. AND THEY CALL THEMSELVES PEOPLE CENTRED. I GOT SICK READING THE COMMENTS FROM PROF MIKE OQUAYE AND KWEKU BAAKO AND THAT HORRIBLE KENNEDY AGYAPONG. ARE OUR POLITICIANS AND SEMI JOURNALISTS REALLY FEELING FOR GHANA AND THE POOR IN OUR SOCIETY? WHAT DOES THE LONG SERVING TEACHER AND OTHER CIVIL SERVANTS WHO TASTED HARDSHIP ALL THEIR LIFE TAKE AWAY AS EX-GRATIA. IF A PARLIAMENTARIAN WORKS FOR 4 YEARS CALCULATE HIS RETIREMENT BONUS AND GIVE THAT TO HIM TO GO. WHY THE PREFERENTIAL AND DISCRIMINATORY REWARD TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THOSE WHO RATHER TOILED FOR THIS NATION ALL THEIR LIFE WITH NO SPECIAL TREATS LIKE HOUSING LOAN, CAR LOAN AND ALL THOSE GOODIES? IS THIS NOT WICKEDNESS AND THEFT. SO THE MPs MUST KNOW THAT THEY HAVE STOLEN THE POOR GHANAIANS MONEY TO GO AND CHOP FUNYA FUNYA FUNYA. IT IS A SHAME!!!!! SHAME UNTO THEM!!!! SHAME !!!!!!!!!
Oba Nyansani Baako Pe In Ghana! 12 years ago

Listen to them these greedy bastards so called themselves MPs. What have you guys done so far for our country Ghana? Boldly come out and tell us now. Mmoasem mo mre aso.

Listen to them these greedy bastards so called themselves MPs. What have you guys done so far for our country Ghana? Boldly come out and tell us now. Mmoasem mo mre aso.
Social Injustice 12 years ago

A few people are eating what belong to us all. This is not fair. No safety nets for the poor in Ghana.Not even free basic education to the high school level for the poor's man child. Some people become rich in 4 years for ser ...
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A few people are eating what belong to us all. This is not fair. No safety nets for the poor in Ghana.Not even free basic education to the high school level for the poor's man child. Some people become rich in 4 years for serving in politics, while others serve in other professions for their lifetime and they die as poor men and women. This is not fair!
IMBECILE RAPACITY 12 years ago

Why should a foreign benefactor assist in Ghana's development when the populace freely elect people to steal their desperately limited resources?

Why should a foreign benefactor assist in Ghana's development when the populace freely elect people to steal their desperately limited resources?
Nana 12 years ago

For calling it as it is. Thanks.

For calling it as it is. Thanks.
Yaw Amofa 12 years ago

You got it right this time. Their claims are obscene.

You got it right this time. Their claims are obscene.
ELINAM 12 years ago

We may be tied of coup but the ppl are so cowards and docile to a point that the army have to lead and you will see how many millions will come to the streets and shout "let the blood flow"

We may be tied of coup but the ppl are so cowards and docile to a point that the army have to lead and you will see how many millions will come to the streets and shout "let the blood flow"

Ama Atta 12 years ago

President Mahama must sit up ,make a U-turn in his adminstrative policies to disabuse the minds of Ghanaian about himself. The public outcry for a coup in Ghana is dangerous for him and all the politicans.The open show of pub ...
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President Mahama must sit up ,make a U-turn in his adminstrative policies to disabuse the minds of Ghanaian about himself. The public outcry for a coup in Ghana is dangerous for him and all the politicans.The open show of public disenchantment and displeasure about cleptocracy in general and in the first trimester of his adminstration is not good. Even if a coup does not happen in the tenure of of his office this public outcry underscores his personal integrity.It will be very unfortunate if he should allow a milliatry coup or civil strife to distort the smooth running of his adminstration .Some of us are concern because he will be the second President from the north to have ascended the throne of Ghana predency only to be overthrown for gross corruption inefficiency or for massive corruption. We want President Mahama to succeed so that Ghanaians wdon't not jump to the conclusion that Northerners are not fit to rule Ghana
Ghana 12 years ago

You must be circumspect about any politician who want you to die for him to be president.
All of them, their main aim is to loot the nation.They don't care about anybody.
Just look at these armed robbery Parliamentarians a ...
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You must be circumspect about any politician who want you to die for him to be president.
All of them, their main aim is to loot the nation.They don't care about anybody.
Just look at these armed robbery Parliamentarians and advice yourself accordingly.
They are all coming to steal, sleep with your daughters and send their children abroad to schools outside.
So if a politician tells you all die be die just leave him to die alone.
Owusu Pascal 12 years ago

Ghana is bleeding profusely, why? You don't need much to achieve greatness.

Ghana is bleeding profusely, why? You don't need much to achieve greatness.
Sampson Obodai 12 years ago

This calls for a coup in Ghana and I will support it 100%.

This calls for a coup in Ghana and I will support it 100%.
foli 12 years ago

Sometimes if I heard guys fighting over NPP and ndc I wonder luck at this ohh Ghanaian brothers and sisters, when?

Sometimes if I heard guys fighting over NPP and ndc I wonder luck at this ohh Ghanaian brothers and sisters, when?
Stephanie 12 years ago

I support any uprising...who will lead us? lets strateigse well and see the police for permit...we have to start to demonstrate till these nonses stop in this country...i want to stop paying tax but unforutnately it is deduct ...
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I support any uprising...who will lead us? lets strateigse well and see the police for permit...we have to start to demonstrate till these nonses stop in this country...i want to stop paying tax but unforutnately it is deducted at source.....I can imagine sitting there for okudeto to come and collect my money in some few years to come...i even have more work experience than he has and it is becaus eof where where work so we are not able to do partisan politics...just sitting on the radio to do propaganda has earned him a seat in parliament and also in the ministries...Are we serious at all as a country...My God........LETS US START MOBILISING FOR ACTION......LERAN FROM TUNISA! WE NEED TO CHANGE THIINGS IN THIS COUNTRY.....AMANDLA AS A SOUTH AFRICAN WILL SAY
Prince 12 years ago

President Mahamar has been a big disappointment to me and a big flop. Why are the politicians doing this to our dear nation. God save Ghana.

President Mahamar has been a big disappointment to me and a big flop. Why are the politicians doing this to our dear nation. God save Ghana.
Nii Ayitey 12 years ago

I will support a coup D'etat against John Mahama.These guys need to be taught a lesson.

I will support a coup D'etat against John Mahama.These guys need to be taught a lesson.
Yawbee 12 years ago

So are you guys gonna sit down for this vicious circle of N0nSENSE? Don't u have TV's & internet? Don't u see young men & women taken their future in their own hands through the ARAB SPRING? RISE UP Before GHANA is sold? Else ...
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So are you guys gonna sit down for this vicious circle of N0nSENSE? Don't u have TV's & internet? Don't u see young men & women taken their future in their own hands through the ARAB SPRING? RISE UP Before GHANA is sold? Else let's have a referendum about those who want to serve mother GHANA for free? I bet u more than 90% will support it. Sad day for GHANA!
Yaw Kwakwa 12 years ago

Aluta...where are all these soldiers. come on, democracy is not for Africa. It is an elitist club that collude to rob the rest of us. Coup de'tat is the way to go. We pay a group of people more than the rest and then give the ...
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Aluta...where are all these soldiers. come on, democracy is not for Africa. It is an elitist club that collude to rob the rest of us. Coup de'tat is the way to go. We pay a group of people more than the rest and then give them ex gratia at the end of every four years regardless of whether they come back or not. De mocracy i repeat is not for Africa.

Yawner 12 years ago

All young GUYS & LADIES with GHANA AT HEART are to meet at OBRA SPOT SUNDAY morning for a mammoth demonstration. No politics, no NPP/NDC/PPP etc. Lets end this political thievery, bigotry, greediness, heartlessness etc. Ris ...
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All young GUYS & LADIES with GHANA AT HEART are to meet at OBRA SPOT SUNDAY morning for a mammoth demonstration. No politics, no NPP/NDC/PPP etc. Lets end this political thievery, bigotry, greediness, heartlessness etc. Rise up & defend GHANA against VAMPIRES.
ELINAM 12 years ago

These clever criminals got us exactly where they want us to be by taking a page from the colonial "divide and conquer" play book.
Everyday we're in each other's throat supporting Wayome or K4"s stealing. If the big thief is ...
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These clever criminals got us exactly where they want us to be by taking a page from the colonial "divide and conquer" play book.
Everyday we're in each other's throat supporting Wayome or K4"s stealing. If the big thief is an NDC, ethnic groups that support that red, green, black jump on you, and those who support red,blue, white jump on you if you dare call out the big thieves behind that color.
In my closer observation, never did I see any of these clowns putting on the colors of our nation with pride the way they do with their party colors. That alone should tell us what type sharks we're dealing with but we're too busy calling each other names as they're busy as a one indestructible force looting us.
Ewe and Asante MPs enemies? Unless you have a vail on.
I hope the army didn't buy this divide and conquer play as we the civilian did, and that can only be our saving grace, but if they're neck-deep in it, then we gonna be a banana republic that would make Haiti looks prettier.
Kasoa 12 years ago

Change is must and somehow this has to stop. Reopen the constitution and repeal the ex-gratia NONSENSE

Change is must and somehow this has to stop. Reopen the constitution and repeal the ex-gratia NONSENSE
kwaku 12 years ago

its disheartening to see the ways that these politicians are squandering hard earned tax payers money. especially when people have not been paid what they have duly earned but yet others take what they don't deserve becos the ...
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its disheartening to see the ways that these politicians are squandering hard earned tax payers money. especially when people have not been paid what they have duly earned but yet others take what they don't deserve becos they make the decisions............. God is the best judge. my friend writer, i m glad u re educating Ghanaians with conviction but pls relax on the war mongering cause u and i re far away from the airports should these revolutions happen
Kan Na wo 12 years ago

Yes you conspired to steal our money in state coffers without our concern my brother.

Yes you conspired to steal our money in state coffers without our concern my brother.
Otoo Emmanuel 12 years ago

Fire burn this corrupt government in power.

Fire burn this corrupt government in power.
TROUBLE-MAKER 12 years ago

This where you and I should know that we are in the same boat and rocking together. This mess created by our criminal thieving politicians from all the parties will continue until something is done by the citizens of this cou ...
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This where you and I should know that we are in the same boat and rocking together. This mess created by our criminal thieving politicians from all the parties will continue until something is done by the citizens of this country.
I read a couple of your comments yesterday calling for a coup but coup won`t solve this looting.
The idiots have the backing of the West and any coup will be interrupted and sanctions will be placed on this country and only the poor innocent ones will suffer.
The perfect solution is to send a strong signal to the government and telling the so-called MP`s to lay their filthy hands off our money or we are coming for them.
How do we do that? Target them and eliminate them or better still the Arab type of revolution to keep the West off our back.
The nonsense must come to an end.I am with you on this one.
SARPONG 12 years ago

Thank you TROUBLE MAKER for your contribution on this subject and I also have read your comments since yesterday.There is hope for our country because now I have seen NDC and NPP supporters closing ranks and telling our Polit ...
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Thank you TROUBLE MAKER for your contribution on this subject and I also have read your comments since yesterday.There is hope for our country because now I have seen NDC and NPP supporters closing ranks and telling our Politicians they should not rely on our rivalry to cheat the country.

I am sorry though that I have been misunderstood. I am not calling for a coup which I hate like many Ghanaians and have even said that, the worst civilian government is better than the best Military rule. What I am warning our Politicians about is that, there are cracks in that foundation of all Ghanaians willing to go to the streets and facing the Army if they stage a coup because of the blatant stealing they have resorted to thinking that the Civilians will not allow it. My resolve against Military coup has been shaked and believe me, a lot of Ghanaians who used to think like me too now don't care if the Military steps in. The Politicians hiding behind article 71 to loot the country is not right because this articled does not allow them to just award themselves this 'gargantuan' gratuity.

In 2009, the MP's received GHc80,000 gratuity, what has happened for them to increase this amount almost fourfold when we are made to believe inflation has been reduced from 18% to 10% in 2013?

Ghana of 2013 is not Ghana of 1970 because we now have a large educated class who can see when the country is being looted.
Drastin 12 years ago

You have said it all Sarpong! I've said time and time again that, our politicians are selfish lot who only care about what goes into their pockets. Until we get a formidable third party, both NPP and NDC will continue to take ...
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You have said it all Sarpong! I've said time and time again that, our politicians are selfish lot who only care about what goes into their pockets. Until we get a formidable third party, both NPP and NDC will continue to take the people for ransom. How they even manage to come with the "ex-gratia" figures, only God knows.
Kwabena 12 years ago

You are very big time thieves.

You are very big time thieves.

Oyokoba 12 years ago

No Armageddon plse! Freedom of speech is not freedom to destroy the peace. Let MPs chop small. Don't u pity them during primaries n parliamentary elections. They are the people's rep, so whatever they take ultimately goes to ...
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No Armageddon plse! Freedom of speech is not freedom to destroy the peace. Let MPs chop small. Don't u pity them during primaries n parliamentary elections. They are the people's rep, so whatever they take ultimately goes to the people, is it not? Fine argument, is it not?
Cindy 12 years ago

Oyokoba, did you forget to take your brain pills today? Please tell me you're just being sarcastic and didn't mean to utter such rubbish.

Oyokoba, did you forget to take your brain pills today? Please tell me you're just being sarcastic and didn't mean to utter such rubbish.
Frank Mensah 12 years ago

Sad this idiot is using great OYOKOBA'S moniker to write such nonsense.

Sad this idiot is using great OYOKOBA'S moniker to write such nonsense.
OYOKOBA 12 years ago

That is the case, Frank. The scumbag, cannot develop his own identity and moniker, has to look around and don that of mine. But anybody who knows me, has read my articles etc can tell the difference.

After stealing everythi ...
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That is the case, Frank. The scumbag, cannot develop his own identity and moniker, has to look around and don that of mine. But anybody who knows me, has read my articles etc can tell the difference.

After stealing everything that is not bolted down, they have started stealing and impersonating, started by their leader J.J. Rawlings when he stole Paul Gyamfi's name, a man he had previously tortured in the Castle dungeon.

The idiot here IPS number is:197.220.169.104 which places him at Kintampo and surrounding area, whereas I am in far away Canada. Like Joseph brothers who sold him to Egypt, they have to steal his "kente" cloth too. The scumbags will stop at nothing but he can never be me. Never!!!
JOHN 12 years ago

GHANAIANS ARE JUST STUPID AND DESERVE TO BE MILKED DRY BY THE GREEDY BASTARDS POLI-TRICK-CIANS

GHANAIANS ARE JUST STUPID AND DESERVE TO BE MILKED DRY BY THE GREEDY BASTARDS POLI-TRICK-CIANS
LORLORNYO 12 years ago

JUSTICE WE AS GOOD PEOPLE OF GHANA SUPPORT ALL THAT YOU HAD SAID, WE ARE BEHIND YOU JUST TELL US WHEN WE SHOULD TAKE OFF THIS ACTION? I HAVE BEING SAYING THIS ALL THE TIME, ALL POLITICIANS ARE THIEVES, IF THEY DO NOT AGREE WI ...
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JUSTICE WE AS GOOD PEOPLE OF GHANA SUPPORT ALL THAT YOU HAD SAID, WE ARE BEHIND YOU JUST TELL US WHEN WE SHOULD TAKE OFF THIS ACTION? I HAVE BEING SAYING THIS ALL THE TIME, ALL POLITICIANS ARE THIEVES, IF THEY DO NOT AGREE WITH US THEN THEY SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING. IF SUCH MONEYS COME THEIR WAY THEY SHOULD TURN IT DOWN THAT IT NOT OK WITH THEM TAKING IT.
KOFI BONSU 12 years ago

JUSTICE,thank you these politicians will pay for it oneday.dont we see no boycott this time it is we they¨take keke¨

JUSTICE,thank you these politicians will pay for it oneday.dont we see no boycott this time it is we they¨take keke¨
KOKI 12 years ago

Hmm, Sarpong! There is something sadly amiss in Ghana's leadership. And I am glad there are many citizens like you who bemoan the tragic state of affairs of mother Ghana singularly due to the lack of stark selflessness on the ...
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Hmm, Sarpong! There is something sadly amiss in Ghana's leadership. And I am glad there are many citizens like you who bemoan the tragic state of affairs of mother Ghana singularly due to the lack of stark selflessness on the part of our political leadership. You have highlighted a number of the disturbing issues. Will they listen? Thank you.

Technically its difficult to blame the Government or the MPs for the ex-gratia package because the Constitution gives the green light for the payment of such.

But I am not sure whether the implementation of the law should super cede the stark reality of abject suffering of large majority of Ghanaians today. The economy is in shambles, there's so much labour unrest, water and electricity problems still hanging on our necks; a disturbing and gloomy picture! If it's not about satisfying personal interest first by the MPs damn the state of the nation's economy then i don't know which one could be. What mark would they leave if they proclaim to the nation: "we accept we are entitled by law to get the ex-gratia, we welcome the recommendation from the Commission BUT due to the ill-health of the economy and the suffering masses of our people we will do the unthinkable:- we call on the Government to slash the amount by ...percentage." What if the Government
came out with a similar stance, appealing to the MPs? A fear of precedence? Or a backlash from the lawmakers?

The lawmakers appear to care less for the nation so long as they get the money for their personal interests with all the versions of justification. Just listen to the defence mechanims they are touting! Pay school fees, attend numerous funerals, attend several other social functions etc! Haaba! Ego could be such a real barrier to seeing the naked and desperate aspiration and needs of one's neighbour. They want to paint a picture of them being the ones with most needs than any other group of people in the country. We are in trouble as a nation! And in situations like this one looks up to the government to demonstrate real leadership and call to order the plunging of the economy!

How does the government pay such monies to the MPs in the face of myriad of troubles the nation finds itself in and more importantly at such a time as now?

No wonder the theory that many an MP go to the Parliament for personal aggrandizement and not for honest search for nation building has so much credibility!

Perhaps the constitutional instrument lending weight to such ex-gratia payments needs reviewing in the not too distant future! What's good for the goose is good for the gander! We have a long long way to go as a nation!
SARPONG 12 years ago

Koki, I understand the constitution stipulates they should be given a gratuity but it didn't stipulates how much and this is where I part way with them. In the midst of this difficult time when the government cannot meet its ...
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Koki, I understand the constitution stipulates they should be given a gratuity but it didn't stipulates how much and this is where I part way with them. In the midst of this difficult time when the government cannot meet its obligation to its citizens who need emergency help due to floods, is it not just dumb and selfish to award themselves such huge amounts? In 2009, the ex- gratis given to each member was GHc80,000 and now it has Ben multiplied three and half times on average to each of the 230 members.

I wrote an article sometime ago which was not read by many people and I pointed out that Ghana will continue to have problems because we are operating under a faulty constitution that has many shortfalls. The constitution of 1992 main objective was drawn to protect Rawlings and his PNDC members and a leeway given to politicians to manipulate the populace for their comfort. There are too many shortfalls in that constitution reviewing it and making changes is not even the answer. The trash called 1992 constitution ought to be thrown to the trash and a new constitution drawn to plug the holes that have given our leaders the right to loot the country to live like Kings and Queens.
Pelicles 12 years ago

I have said before that the 1992 constitution, should be discarded and a new one written. The current constitution was written to protect JJ period.

Imagine a constitution giving the president of the nation a tax exemptio ...
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I have said before that the 1992 constitution, should be discarded and a new one written. The current constitution was written to protect JJ period.

Imagine a constitution giving the president of the nation a tax exemption status. Does it make sense? Who should pay taxes for the president to receive his salary? And Ghanaians are acting as if all is well with the constitution. We are doom as a nation.
SARPONG 12 years ago

Peli, you are right, Ghana will continue to deteriorrate if we continue to run the country under this outmoded and corrupt constitution promulgated to protect Rawlings and the political elite.

Peli, you are right, Ghana will continue to deteriorrate if we continue to run the country under this outmoded and corrupt constitution promulgated to protect Rawlings and the political elite.
Drastin 12 years ago

Brothers, the issue is if and when we get politician who really care about the growth of the nation, they will see to it that all the lope-holes are blocked by amending the constitution to make Ghana a better nation.

Brothers, the issue is if and when we get politician who really care about the growth of the nation, they will see to it that all the lope-holes are blocked by amending the constitution to make Ghana a better nation.
SARPONG 12 years ago

Drastin, the problem with this constitution is that, there are too many bad articles in it it will rather be better to enact a new one. You cannot hope to have water if you use basket to go to the river half mile away and hop ...
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Drastin, the problem with this constitution is that, there are too many bad articles in it it will rather be better to enact a new one. You cannot hope to have water if you use basket to go to the river half mile away and hope to still have water in the basket by the time you get home.

The loopholes in this constitution is too many and corrupted.

Let me give you an example. It was not the Parliamentarians who actually awarded themselves this amount but it was done by a committee set up by the President as the constitution stipulates who recommended this amount and for the President to sign on to it.

Now here is the kicker about how corrupt this constitution is. The same constitution stipulates that, the President and his Cabinet ex grayish should be determined by Parliament. Now that the President and his committee have rewarded the Parliamentarians handsomely, what do you think these Parliamentarians who have been given this "bribe" by the President and his committee will do? They will also recommend humongous amount of money for the President ex gratis as a payback for given them $155,000 each. It is called you wash my back and I will wash yours. In my AKAN proverb, we say "BENKUM DWARE NIFA, NA NIFA ADWARE BENKUM"

The Politicians drew this constitution to amass wealth.
KOKI 12 years ago

Yes, precisely so! Your thoughts on certain pertinent national issues seem to synchronize with mine and many others who though passionately political are objectively critical of the state of affairs and cry for the birth of a ...
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Yes, precisely so! Your thoughts on certain pertinent national issues seem to synchronize with mine and many others who though passionately political are objectively critical of the state of affairs and cry for the birth of a cleaner constitutional based SYSTEM!

Isn't it true the most sensitive issues begging for answers in the country at the moment- electoral flaws culminating in challenge of the 2012 election results, ex-gratia payments among others are the products of the loopholes in the 1992 constitution?

Considering the 1992 Constitution was borne out of a period of emancipation of the brutal military rule falsely couched as revolution of a sort, there was bound to be softening of stance on certain issues? Quite obvious! And I couldn't agree with more that truly speaking, mere review-cum-amendment would only do a window dressing and not get to the core of the issues. A complet overhaul and birth of a new one has a brighter chance of plucking a larger number of loopholes which have been the remote cause of elusiveness of clean and robust platform for development in democracy.

Let's keep talking about these issues to as many as would pause in the hustle bustle swing of life in the country and listen! One day who knows our political leadership would hold the bull by the horn and declare:"enough is enough; for how long can we continue to be so insensitive to the plight of many people whilst we grin in our comfort zones!"
LONTO-BOY 12 years ago

OKATAKYIE SARPONG, this is explosive and gutsy piece! once again, our MPs and the country's political leadership have shown how utterly gullible, insensitive and irresponsible they are in the face of the nation's huge debt, f ...
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OKATAKYIE SARPONG, this is explosive and gutsy piece! once again, our MPs and the country's political leadership have shown how utterly gullible, insensitive and irresponsible they are in the face of the nation's huge debt, financial and economic challenges. They simply practice the 'Animal Farm' Ideology, and none of them is in Government and in Parliament as a sense of patriotic national duty. Our politicians are just 'armed robbers' in suit! They're getting away with such Constitutionalized thievery of Ex-Gratia payments because ordinary Ghanaians are faint-hearted. If all Ghanaians will turn the public mood over this Ex-Gratia payments into fierce street demonstrations all over the country, the Government and Parliament will be forced to terminate and subsequently repeal this Ex-Gratia.

Inasmuch as these Political Career- Criminals need to get their ass kicked, I don't think Military coup will 'liberate and save' this nation. The reason being, look back on what JJ Rawlings' coups did to this country and how they held back our progress and development. For now, Military coup be seen as a 'moral necessity' but it comes with its peculiar set of problem. There shouldn't be any going back!
SARPONG 12 years ago

OKATAKYIE LONTO, can you believe how so many of these fools called MP's, young and old have come out to defend this plain armed robbery from both NPP and NDC?

NPP Ofori Appiah calls the ex-gratia as pension which is a plai ...
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OKATAKYIE LONTO, can you believe how so many of these fools called MP's, young and old have come out to defend this plain armed robbery from both NPP and NDC?

NPP Ofori Appiah calls the ex-gratia as pension which is a plain lie coming from somebody who is supposedly an Accountant. Where in the world do people receive pension five times with some of them getting this pension in their thirties? Ex-gratia as I defined it in the article is more like a bonus because it is a reward where the giver is not obligated to give or the recipient is not entitled to but pension is an entitlement.

Ofori Appiah is lying because when these Politicians retire from Parliament and reach the age of 60 which is the retirement age in Ghana, these people will receive their retirements. Many of these MP's have come out with ridiculous reasons why they are entitled to ex-gratia it is an insult to Ghanaians how these fools who call themselves HONOURABLES think.
KOKI 12 years ago

...and that's why I see this whole defense of the payment of the ex-gratia a shame...a sure convincing proof of insensitivity of our lawmakers and politicians!

Yes it's a shame and extremely disappointing listening to the ...
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...and that's why I see this whole defense of the payment of the ex-gratia a shame...a sure convincing proof of insensitivity of our lawmakers and politicians!

Yes it's a shame and extremely disappointing listening to the defense by the NPP stalwarts the Prof and the supposedly anti-corruption crusader!

Money and the love of it is.... I rest my case.
LONTO-BOY 12 years ago

My fellow, if our corrupt and non-performing MPs don't deserve their current salaries let alone deserve 'generous pensions' and bumper ex-gratia payments. After all, they were not forced into representing their various consti ...
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My fellow, if our corrupt and non-performing MPs don't deserve their current salaries let alone deserve 'generous pensions' and bumper ex-gratia payments. After all, they were not forced into representing their various constituencies! The MPs should switch to careers in the private sector or step down voluntarily. Enough of these corrupt, inept and dishonourable elements!

I wish I could let loose some vicious and fearsome pitbull terriers inside Parliament House to maul them lot!
DODOWA 12 years ago

MO NE KASA

MO NE KASA
Akyem Begoro 12 years ago

Do MP's want them be expose of their corrupt ways anytime they still and send their girl friends to UK, USA etc. Faithful MP's may God bless you, Corrupt MP's thus why your children abroad turns drug addict, gay and lesbian. ...
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Do MP's want them be expose of their corrupt ways anytime they still and send their girl friends to UK, USA etc. Faithful MP's may God bless you, Corrupt MP's thus why your children abroad turns drug addict, gay and lesbian. A voice from Ahomam
Whatever 12 years ago

Rent allowance was Ghc50,000, car allowance was Ghc70,000, and the almighty Ex-gratia of at least Ghc277,000.... all total Ghc400,000 and over, a mouthwatering 6 FUGURE SUM and our MPs nicodemously grab from the public purse ...
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Rent allowance was Ghc50,000, car allowance was Ghc70,000, and the almighty Ex-gratia of at least Ghc277,000.... all total Ghc400,000 and over, a mouthwatering 6 FUGURE SUM and our MPs nicodemously grab from the public purse in just 3months i.e aside their Ghc21,000 pay. Hmm..... Mahama is LUCKY, he should thank Mills because some of us want to protect his legacy.
Daniel K. Pryce 12 years ago

Sarps,

I would have been disappointed if you had not addressed this matter via an article! This is where you shine the most!

On a more serious note, I have lost faith in my country of birth. How can Ghana's MPs justify ...
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Sarps,

I would have been disappointed if you had not addressed this matter via an article! This is where you shine the most!

On a more serious note, I have lost faith in my country of birth. How can Ghana's MPs justify awarding themselves such large sums of money when the country is rationing water and electricity? Seriously, what is wrong with us as a nation?

Kofi Jumah's statement may go down as the most annoying to have ever come out of the mouth of a parliamentarian! MPs are on a higher pedestal than doctors and teachers? I had to restrain myself from getting really angry when I saw that on Ghanaweb.com!

Doctors saves lives, and teachers are the reason you and I and everyone else in the forum can read your article and respond to it!

Anyone who meets the basic constitutional requirements to get into parliament can do so, if s/he has some money to seek the voters' nod, but it takes a special person to become a doctor, if not a teacher.

Some of these parliamentarians do not even have the intellectual capacity to contribute to fruitful debates in the legislature, yet they are drawing large salaries because the Constitution guarantees it! Phew!

At any rate, let us not consider an insurrection as the answer to Ghana's leadership problems; it is better to change administrations via the ballot box. But we have every right to march down to parliament and demand a reversal of these ex-gratia payments! Are Ghanaians domiciled in Accra and other cities willing to go on a peaceful demonstration to make their concerns known? I hope they would.
SARPONG 12 years ago

Danny, can you believe what Kofi Jumah said? Can you believe what is coming out of many of these idiotic, escuse me of my Sailor language when I am in the presence of you but what is going on in Ghana with these Politicians i ...
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Danny, can you believe what Kofi Jumah said? Can you believe what is coming out of many of these idiotic, escuse me of my Sailor language when I am in the presence of you but what is going on in Ghana with these Politicians is driving me crazy.

Kofi Juma has forever crowned himself the worst person ever to serve in Ghana Parliament for his attack on the two most respected professions in the world. How can anybody attack Teachers for the thankless job they do to make our lives meaningful aqnd worthwhile? Is Kofi Juma aware that without Teachers we will not have Doctors, Lawyers, Nurses etc? How can Kofi Juma even attack Doctors? The man has some screws loose in his head.

Our problem in Ghana I have noticed for a long time is the constitution we are operating on which favor these 'armed robbers' masquerading as Politicians and as long as it favours the Elite class, they will not do anything about it.

Danny, if this ex-gratia would have been structured in such a way that these Parliamentarians cannot receive it twice per individual and is based on a Parliamentarian one year salary, I can accept it. People have to realise that, this is not their pension because when these Parliamentarians reach the 60 year old reting age in Ghana and they are not in Parliament, they will receive their retirements. How can Ofori Appiah, the so called Moral Crusader even support this and call it a pension? Maybe I need somebody to educate me what country in the worls people receive pension fove times and still working towards their sixth pension check. THIS, DANNY, IS A JOKE.
Daniel K. Pryce 12 years ago

Sarps,

You're right about the fact that making two, three, or even four ex-gratia payments to just one individual makes no sense at all. This is why some people are so upset by the ex-gratia situation. If indeed, as you me ...
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Sarps,

You're right about the fact that making two, three, or even four ex-gratia payments to just one individual makes no sense at all. This is why some people are so upset by the ex-gratia situation. If indeed, as you mentioned, these parliamentarians will still receive normal pension payments after age 60, then these payments are seriously unfair to the Ghanaian taxpayers.

But, then, did John Mahama not approve salary increases for the executive and legislature, only to turn around to raise fuel prices, which I categorically condemned via an article? These salary increases show that this administration has been insensitive to the plight of the ordinary man and woman on the street.

Yes, the constitution is very flawed, and it may need a revisiting, which, I believe, cannot be done without a referendum (correct me if I am wrong).

If Ghana cannot afford to keep the lights on and the taps running, then, it is clearly insensitive on the part of the Mahama administration to pay legislators huge sums beyond their normal salaries. I am really sad for Mother Ghana.

On another note, I wish the government can tell Ghanaians how much it expects yearly in revenue, going forward, from oil, so we can design major programs twenty or thirty years out. Without long-term planning, we shall continue to see little progress in our economic, environmental, and social capacities. Oh, Mother Ghana!
SARPONG 12 years ago

Danny, just finish your PhD program and think about returning to Ghana to enter the political arena and you will get my support. God willing, I will return to Ghana in the immediately future to settle permanently.

Danny, just finish your PhD program and think about returning to Ghana to enter the political arena and you will get my support. God willing, I will return to Ghana in the immediately future to settle permanently.
Daniel K. Pryce 12 years ago

Sarps, I don't have the stomach for politics! Lol! Besides, it will be much better for me to spend my summers teaching Legon students than to engage in partisan politics.

I'll call you one of these days so we can chat abo ...
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Sarps, I don't have the stomach for politics! Lol! Besides, it will be much better for me to spend my summers teaching Legon students than to engage in partisan politics.

I'll call you one of these days so we can chat about the general idea of a permanent move to Ghana!
faaganda 12 years ago

NAIL RIGHT IN THE HEAD

NAIL RIGHT IN THE HEAD
Akadu Mensema 12 years ago

Only in Ghana oh!

Only in Ghana oh!
ama 12 years ago

This is rob in the day light.President and MPs are thieves.Ghana politicians thinks only their stomach. While we lack infracture.God will deal with wicked politicians.

This is rob in the day light.President and MPs are thieves.Ghana politicians thinks only their stomach. While we lack infracture.God will deal with wicked politicians.

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MP's, "Have We Stolen Anybody’s Money?"

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