The Supreme Court declared that it is unconstitutional for Parliament to approve the president and vice president’s spouses’ salaries and benefits from the consolidated fund.
In a decision announced today, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, a seven-member panel led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo determined that the roles of the first lady and wife of the vice president of Ghana do not classify them as public office holders.
The court clarified that the Emolument Committee of Parliament is only authorised to recommend salaries, benefits, and privileges for public office holders exclusively.
This ruling stems from a case brought forth by the Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC.
Although Mr. Abronye’s request to declare that parliament cannot independently initiate or approve such emoluments without proper legislative process was not granted, the court’s decision upheld the unconstitutionality of the payments.
Similarly, a case filed by a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, yielded mixed results.
While some of Mr Dafeamekpor’s claims were dismissed, one relief was granted.
The panel, comprising justices Gabriel Pwamang, Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, and Ernest Yao Gaewu, delivered the verdict.
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