Parliament has dismissed media reports that Speaker, Alban Bagbin has requested extra funds from the House.
A statement by the Director of Public Affairs of Parliament, Kate Addo said the Speaker has at no “point in time, made direct cash requests from Parliament.”
A publication in the Friday, March 18, 2022 edition of the Daily Guide newspaper claimed Mr. Bagbin who is on a medical trip to Dubai has allegedly sent a request for more cash to cover his medical bills.
The report also said Mr Bagbin, in less than a week after jetting out of the country, requested for an additional $50,000, having claimed $120,000 already.
However, this has been vehemently denied by the communique from Parliament, which disclosed the Speaker since assuming the reins of power as Speaker has not made any attempt to alter financial arrangements available to his office.
“The conditions of service of public employees, including political office holders, cover medical care, both local and foreign. The specific details of each category of public employees are covered by the law. In the case of Parliamentarians and Speakers, the Presidential Commission on Emoluments details the main areas of coverage. This covers sitting and former Speakers. The current Speaker has no authority and has not made any attempt to, in any way amend or alter what has been in existence before he came into office.”
The statement also added that Parliament and by extension the Speaker being mindful of the general hardships in the country will not embark on profligacy.
“Parliament is fully aware of the dire times we are in as a country and is mindful to avoid any profligate spending. Indeed, the 8th Parliament, right from its inception, has sought to put the interest and wellbeing of the taxpayer at the fore of all its considerations and deliberations for the enactment of laws and the formulation of policies. This has been manifestly exhibited in the way proceedings have been held since January 2021.”
Read a copy of Parliament’s statement below:
Source: MyPublisher24.com
