My next administration won’t offer ex-gratia to ministers or other appointees – Mahama

The newly elected flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama says he will operate a lean government when elected as president.

Mr Mahama said he is committed to ensuring his government does not become a toll on the public purse.

The former president also said the 60 ministers who will serve in his government will not be entitled to ex-gratia payments.

Speaking at the University of Development Studies, Tamale on Monday, May 15, he asked Ghanaians to hold him to his promise.

“I am committed to operating an effective government with not more than sixty (60) ministers.

“These ministers together with other appointees of the government will not be entitled to ex-gratia payments after their tenure, as they will commit to that undertaking even before the necessary constitutional amendments, including a review of the controversial Article 71.”

Meanwhile, Mr Mahama also said the next NDC government will reconsider the tax exemption regime.

He said this is to ensure that the exemptions benefit Ghanaians.

“The NDC will reconsider the tax exemption regime, ensuring that the exemptions are beneficial to the Ghanaian people.

“We will further ensure that the extractive sector operates within a mutually beneficial tax environment for the stability of the exchange rate,” he added.