Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stated that it is inappropriate for politicians to demand ex-gratia payments in challenging times such as this when the country is battling the novel coronavirus which has caused many ordinary people to lose their jobs and livelihoods.
He has praised the Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo for refusing to allow for the payments to go through, describing Mr Domelevo as “God sent” and one who is truly patriotic.
“No politician should be agitating for ex-gratia arrears at this traumatic time.
Auditor General Daniel Domelevo is absolutely God sent and a true patriot,” he asserted on social media post sighted by MyNewsGh.com
Former MPs of the Fourth Parliament have demanded that they be paid outstanding arrears to the tune of GHC 29.7 million Cedis, explaining that they rightfully earned the money when they served as MPs for the period between January 7, 2001 and January 6, 2005.
But Mr Ablakwa has advised them to abandon any effort to get the money and prioritize the needs of the masses who are losing their jobs and their livelihoods due to the novel coronavirus disease.
“The ex-gratia agenda should be immediately aborted and priority given to the masses who are losing jobs and livelihoods to COVID-19,” he added.
The demand by the MPs has been met with condemnation by Ghanaians who have not only condemned the timing but have accused them of greed.
Mr Ablakwa’s comments are among the first open condemnation of the group by high profile politicians in the country.
Source:MyNewsGh.com/Stephen Zoure/2020
