President DOES NOT collect $1,000 per diem

The Ministry of Information and Presidential Affairs on Friday refuted allegations that the President collects 1,000 dollars per diem when he travels.
It also denied the allegation made by Nana Alex Asamoah of the NDC that ministers and other state officials who usually accompanied the president took 250 dollars a day as against 53 dollars paid to former government officials in the previous administration. "These statements are totally false and without any foundation," a statement signed by Mr Kofi Sekyiamah, Chief Director, said.
"The true state is that the highest amount paid as Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) or per diem is 275.98 dollars for official assignments in The Netherlands Antilles," the statement said.
"DSA or per diem are all-inclusive allowances for personnel attending assignments abroad. This means that hotel accommodation, feeding, transport and other expenses are factored into these amounts."
The statement said the amount payable as per diem was based on the cost of living in the countries concerned. "The current per diem of the President, Vice President, a minister or deputy minister on assignment in the USA is 130.34 dollars a day and 150.29 a day for Nigeria. The existing rates have been in use since 1983."
The statement said based on the current cost of living globally, the former NDC government initiated a process to review the rates. "The existing rates are applicable to foreign travels for all officers," the statement added.
It said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared a new list as consolidated DSA rates to be submitted for the consideration of cabinet.