Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwadaso, Dr Kingsley Nyarko, says the Presidential spouses deserve the allowance which has been approved to be given to them.
According to him, spouses of the Presidents deserve the allowances given to them because of the role they play in the country’s development.
“The spouses of the Presidents have work they do as they work alongside the Presidents when they travel. They have responsibilities.”
Kingsley Nyarko
Dr. Nyarko also asked Ghanaians to stop criticizing President Akufo-Addo for presidential spouses receiving allowances. He then argued that,;the allowance was introduced by former President John Kuffour and is only to be institutionalized as monthly salary for the first and second ladies.
The Kwadaso MP further said some Policy Think-Tanks are misleading the Ghanaian populace on the issue, hence, causing the masses to blame President Akufo-Addo for the already existing policy.
“The President didn’t order the payment of the spouses’ allowance. We all know that the recommendation was approved by the Parliament. The 7th parliament approved it. All past spouses of Presidents still take allowance every month. So, what the committee has done was to institutionalize it. This is nothing new. I don’t see anything wrong with what is going on.”
Kingsley Nyarko
Receiving salary as cabinet ministers right
Meanwhile, the founder and leader of the Liberal Party of Ghana, Percival Kofi Akpaloo says it is right for the 1st and 2nd ladies of Ghana to receive salaries equal to that of cabinet Ministers.
He also indicated that their roles in the country is an important factor as to why the two important women in Ghana deserve salaries.
“The wives of Presidents and their Vice play major roles in the country and deserve to be put on monthly salaries for the work they do. Former President Kufuor made an arrangement to pay monthly stipends to the wives of all former presidents. Spouses of Acheampong, Liman, Rawlings all receive this monthly stipend even though their husbands are no more. Wives of former President Kuffuor and Mahama also receive this allowance.
“And now, it is just the name that is being changed. It is being changed from allowance to salary and that is not a decision taken by the president. Paying the 1st and 2nd ladies monthly salaries is a recommendation from a committee and nothing more.”
Kofi Akpaloo
According to him, wives of the President and vice often undertake state assignments and have reason to receive monthly salaries.
“The late Amissah Arthur’s wife did contribute to the development of education. She donated text books and other study materials to schools and I have no issue if we pay them month salaries.”
Kofi Akpaloo
Kofi Akpaloo motioned that the President will have the peace of mind to undertake his duties if his wife is being paid and added that this decision will also ensure checks and balances.
“Now we will know where they get their monies from and ensure accountability.”
Kofi Akpaloo
