The Majority New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has issued a terse warning to the Minority that it is more than prepared for the ‘War against First Ladies.’
According to the side, it is ready to go the whole distance to reveal to Ghanaians who between the current First Lady and the former who has made immense contribution to the socio-economic development of the country.
Hon. Stephen Amoah, member for Nyiaeso Constituency threw this challenge on Tuesday when he addressed the raging presidential spousal emoluments debate.
He stated that under the current First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Ghanaians can say that she did a good job and added, “And there were those who messed up the public purse and took contracts in different forms and did shoddy works.”
He argued that Ghana as a country has a lot of issues to manage in terms of shrinking productivity because of the effects of COVID on the economy.
The country, he said, is struggling with its revenue generation and the fight against corruption, which has prompted the President to take a decision to regularize the payment of emoluments to the First and Second Ladies to make sure Ghanaians know the administration is doing things right.
The opposition NDC, he said, is up in arms against the decision because they still want the old system to continue so they can siphon state money through that loophole.
The Akufo-Addo government, he said, rather wants everything to be done in a very transparent manner.
“The First Lady is not angry; she’s not being arrogant. She loves Ghanaians but she is saying that if because of her name there will be controversy in Ghana she wants to peacefully allow that system to go without her name,” he said.
Mr. Amoah argued that if the Minority is calling for an audit into the accounts of Rebecca Akufo-Addo, there is no problem but such probe should be extended to include all former First Ladies.
He averred that because the minority is afraid Lordina will be exposed they decided to exclude her.
“They are being controlled by cowardice. They don’t trust themselves other than that they would have said all First Ladies and Former First Ladies should be audited.”
He quizzed whether the critical factor is the title of the monies to be used for the payment or the need to protect a state resource that needs efficient and judicious use.
“At least, salary will provide better-structured approach to protect the public purse but allowances, I can use my whims and caprices and my individual discretion, exclusive rights and other things to give or take.”
“That one is not good for a society practicing democracy to make sure this country moves forward,” he added.
He urged Ghanaians to consider the two positions and come to a decision because with allowance anything can be decided while salary is well-structured and transparent.
Source: MyPublisher24.com
