AG Sued over Salaries For Presidential Spouses
The First and Second Ladies of Ghana have been added to the list of Article 71 officeholders.
H.E Mrs Rebecca Akuffo Addo and H.E Mrs Samira Bawumia would be paid according to the salary structure of persons who fall under the constitutional provision.
Two Members of Parliament affiliated with the National Democratic Congress and a private individual have filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the decision.
The two MPs are Dr Clement Apaak of Builsa South and Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor of South Dayi.
The suit has been joined by one Frederick Nii Commey to file the case against the Attorney General.
Lawyers for the plaintiffs were at the premises of the Supreme Court to file the action today, July 8.
They are seeking 8 reliefs from the apex court of the land. The reliefs are as follows;
1. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee appointed by the President under Article 71(1), only had jurisdiction to make recommendations in respect of salaries, allowances payable, facilities and privileges of Article 71 office holders under the 1992 Constitution.
2. A further declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee had no jurisdiction, mandate or authority to make any recommendations in respect of salaries, allowances payable, facilities and privileges of persons other than persons specified under Article 71 of 1992 Constitution.
3. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee exceeded its jurisdiction, mandate and authority when it purported to make recommendations in respect of privileges, facilities, salaries and allowances payable to the 1st Lady and the wife of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.
4. A further declaration that the recommendations of the Committee, to the extent that it pertains to the 1st Lady and the wife of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, are null, void and of no effect.
5. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the Constitution, 1992, spouses of the President and the Vice President are not Article 71 office holders for the purposes of receipt of wages and emoluments.
6. An order declaring the recommendations in respect of privileges, facilities, salaries and allowances payable to the 1st Lady and the wife of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana as unconstitutional and void.
7. An order restraining the President of the Republic of Ghana or any other arm, ministry, department or agency of the Executive, from implementing any recommendations of the Prof Ntiamoah-Baidu Committee which pertains to the 1st Lady and the wife of the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.
8. Any further Order(s) or direction(s) as this Honourable Court may deem necessary.
Source: Universnewsroom
