4bn Cedis to be Spent on Old MPs

The Independent, a private owned bi-weekly, says Parliament is to spend four billion cedis (4 billion) as ex-gratia award to members of the second Parliament of the fourth republic. Beneficiaries of the ex-gratia award include those who were deselected by their parties, those who lost their seats as well as those that had retained their seats.

A highly placed source who disclosed this to the paper said that each of the 200 beneficiaries would take home about 20 million cedis.

The monies have already been paid into their various accounts and Members could as from Monday cash or withdraw if they so wish.

The source said that the move is in accordance with an administrative proposal put up by the ex-government that former MPs must be given ex-gratia award for the four-year term of office, which has been accepted and has subsequently been implemented.

Asked whether former Ministers and Deputy Ministers who collected the ex-gratia paid by the erstwhile NDC regime will also benefit from this facility, the source said by virtue of their position as Members of Parliament they automatically qualify to enjoy the facility.

He however expressed some reservation and urged parliament to look into this since the state cannot continue to double pay people who almost performed the same functions.