The Deputy General Secretary for the New Patriotic Party(NPP), Nana Obiri Boahen, has cautioned critics not to politicize Togbe Afede XIV’s return of his ex-gratia paid to him by the state.
Nana Obiri Boahen reacting to the criticisms against Togbe Afede’s XIV’s move, condemned those speaking against. He indicated that people who are condemning Togbe Afede’s action have chosen to see the issue through political lenses rather than tackle it from a very fair and objective point of view.
According to him, over politicization of issues in the country is the reason the country is not developing.
“What is wrong about that, what exactly is wrong about that? What crime has Togbe Afede committed? Let’s stop doing childish politics. What they are saying about Togbe Afede they are not being fair to him.”
Nana Obiri Boahen
Mr. Obiri Boahen intimated that Togbe Afede is resourceful, as such, he can decide to forfeit whatever monies he is given. He averred that he sees nothing wrong with Togbe Afede’s decision to return state money stating that it is commendable and that Ghanaians should applaud him for the kind gesture.
“Togbe Afede has helped Agyekum Kufour, Atta Mills, Mahama and helped the nation in terms of electricity. Even if he says he is NDC, there is nothing wrong he is a human being, if Obiri Boahen says he is NPP, there’s nothing wrong. Let us give credit where it is due.”
Nana Obiri Boahen
The Deputy General Secretary then urged Ghanaians to move beyond party politics and consider the general well-being and development of the nation when contributing to discussions or debate on critical national issues.
Advocate against ex-gratia payment
Meanwhile, Tamale North Member of Parliament, Alhassan Suhuyini, has called on stakeholders to advocate against the payment of ex-gratia.
Also reacting to the decision by the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, who has refunded the ex-gratia paid him for serving on the Council of State between 2017 and 2020, Alhassan Suhuyini who noted that he respects the decision of Togbe Afede, stated that an advocacy against the payment is the ideal way.
“If we want, and I believe we should, advocate against ex-gratia, we must insist that Presidents when they are sworn in, the first thing they do is to set up a committee that will determine the salaries of ministers, parliamentarians and judges. That is the way to get away or to stop paying ex-gratia.
“So I go into Parliament and I know that as I am taking the oath, my salary is GHS12,000 or GHS25,000. So at the end of my four years government doesn’t owe me anything , I walk away. Let us do it and we will save ourselves all this trouble and misundetanding.”
Alhassan Suhuyini
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