Judgement on Spousal Salary payment: There is no law backing offices of First and Second Ladies – Nii Kpakpo Samoa

Private legal practitioner, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, has said that the First and Second Ladies of the Republic of Ghana are not persons captured under Article 71 of the Constitution which determines the emoluments of the office holders.

He says there is no legal backing on the offices of the First and Second Ladies.

“The First Lady and Second are not persons contemplated within Article 71 and so they could not be the person who Article 71 finalizes emolument should be paid,” he said while commenting on the Supreme Court ruling that payment of salaries to the First and SecodLadies aris illegal, on TV3’s Ghana Tonight show on Wednesday, April 24.

Judgement on Spousal Salary payment: There is no legal backing on offices of First and Second Ladies.

Declaration that the approval by Parliament to pay salaries to the First and Second ladies is inconsistent with ARTICLE 71 CLAUSES 1 AND 2 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana and consequently be declared null, void and unenforceable.

b.

Declaration that, per Article 71 (1) and (2); the positions of the First and Second ladies of Ghana do not fall under the category of Public Office holders.

c.

Declaration that, per Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana; the Emolument Committee is limited to recommending the salaries and other benefits and privileges of only public office holders.

d.

A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Prof.

A further declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, the Prof Ntiamoah-Badu 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 the Constitution.

3.

A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 71(1) of the 1992 Constitution, the Prof Ntiamoah-Badu 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 and 2nd ladies of Ghana.

4.