Veteran Ghanaian statesman Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe has urged the government to abolish the system of ex gratia payments and excessive post-office benefits for public officeholders, calling it an unnecessary burden on state resources.
In a statement on the just-ended constitution review, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe argued that “public servants are already compensated through their salaries. There is no justification for lifelong benefits, state-funded housing, or undue privileges. These resources should instead be redirected towards improving the living conditions of ordinary Ghanaians.”
The former diplomat emphasised that Ghana’s constitutional framework currently overprotects officeholders, particularly the President, with provisions that shield them during and even after their tenure. “These protections make it nearly impossible to hold a President fully accountable under the law. This situation is no longer tenable in a mature democracy,” he noted.
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe also weighed in on other governance reforms, including presidential tenure, noting that there should be no extension beyond the current two four-year terms. “Four years is adequate time for a serious and prepared government to make its mark. Arguments suggesting a need for additional time only create unnecessary opportunities for inefficiency and corruption,” he said.
He further called for continuity in national projects, stressing that “the practice of abandoning ongoing projects in order to initiate new ones has become a major source of waste and corruption. While continuity may not necessarily be entrenched as a constitutional provision, it must become a binding principle of responsible governance.”
On the structure of government, Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe supported appointing ministers strictly from outside Parliament to ensure independent oversight. “A clear separation between the Executive and the Legislature is essential for effective oversight and accountability. Parliament must be empowered to independently scrutinise government actions without conflict of interest,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of maturity and experience in leadership, urging that “the minimum age requirement for presidential candidates should be reviewed upward to reflect the seriousness and responsibility of the office.”
Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe concluded by calling for a constitution review process driven by the national interest rather than partisan concerns. “Ghana has reached a stage in its democratic journey where accountability, discipline, and national interest must take precedence over political convenience,” he said, urging stakeholders to approach the process with honesty, courage, and a genuine commitment to the country’s future.
The Constitution Review Committee’s full report is expected to be released in January 2026, following the submission of its summary report to the President.
CRC opted for broader reforms over abolishing ex gratia – Charlotte Osei
Meanwhile, Charlotte Kesson-Smith Osei, a member of the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), has explained why the committee stopped short of making a definitive recommendation to abolish ex gratia payments in its recently presented report.
Speaking on the committee’s handling of Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution, which governs public emoluments, Ms Osei said the CRC recognised the long-standing controversy surrounding ex gratia payments but deliberately chose a broader, systemic approach rather than an outright abolition.
“It is not just a matter of picking one aspect and saying ‘scrap it.’ When you remove an existing arrangement, what replaces it? We were very mindful not to create problems while trying to solve existing problems. If we do not have the expertise to set emoluments ourselves, it is logical to leave that to the experts,” Ms Osei said.
“This issue has appeared in every previous report. We decided to adopt a holistic approach through a one-stop Public Emoluments Commission, such as the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. This allows us to address ex gratia payments and other concerns in a fair and comprehensive manner, rather than simply abolishing arrangements without providing a practical alternative,” she explained.