Legal practitioner and Senior Vice President of IMANI-Africa, Kofi Bentil, has said the Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution is “a threat to our (Ghana’s) democracy.”
He explains the provision which seeks to get emoluments of holders of citizens under that Article reviewed every four years does not auger well for a polity like Ghana where many public officials salaries are nothing to write home about.
His comments come on the back of recommendations made by a Committee to pay salaries to presidential spouses during the review of emoluments for Article 71 office holders.
Speaking on JoyNews’ NewsFile Saturday, July 17, 2021, keenly monitored by Ghanasonline.com, Mr. Bentil noted the refund of the allowances by the First and Second Ladies must be applauded.
Despite the payment of salaries being unconstitutional, Mr. Bentil insists the two offices must, however, be provided with the necessary support to run.
Article 71 (1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution stipulates that the determination of the salaries and allowances of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary paid from the Consolidated Fund would be determined by the President, on the recommendations of a committee of not more than five persons appointed by him and acting upon the advice of the Council of State.
Article 71 office holders include the President, the Vice-President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court.
The rest are Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers of State, political appointees and public servants with salaries charged to the Consolidated Fund but enjoying special constitutional privileges.