Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at Jubilee House, has disclosed that President Akufo-Addo has returned GH238,000 to the Controller and Accountant General’s Department.
The funds reflect his pay increase as a consequence of the recommendations of the Presidential Emoluments Committee, which is led by Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa- Baidu.
Mr Arhin told the media that “the President had made it plain on May Day, even before the [emolument] committee’s recommendations, that he, the Vice President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of State were not going to receive any pay hike.” He has repaid his to the tune of almost GH¢238,000.”
Mr Arhin went on to say that the Chief of Personnel had also instructed other officeholders, including certain Jubilee House staff, to do the same.
“With regard to the others, Deputy Ministers, Ministers, and the Vice President, all reimbursements will be given. “The President made his on the second of this month, last Thursday, and other appointments will follow suit,” he added.
This comes months after the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, refused the opportunity to be given allowances, despite recommendations from the Presidential Committee on Emoluments for Article 71 officeholders chaired by Prof Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu.
She also “decided to repay all money given to her as allowances from the date of the President’s assumption of office, i.e., from January, 2017 to date, totaling to GH899,097.84,” according to a July 12 statement.
The Prof. Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu Emoluments Committee proposed to Parliament in June 2020 that the President’s pay be increased from GH29,899 to GH47,277, as well as the wages of Members of Parliament and Ministers, among other Article 71 Officeholders.
Article 71 Office holders include the President, Vice-President, Speaker of Parliament, Chief Justice, and Supreme Court Justices.
Members of Parliament (MPs), Ministers of State, political appointees, and public workers with salaries paid to the Consolidated Fund but unique constitutional rights make up the remainder.