Judgement on Spousal Salary payment: Let’s have a broader discussion – Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for a broader conversation among stakeholders on whether or not wives of the President and Vice president should be paid salaries as Article 71 officeholders.

If it is decided that they will need to be paid salaries, then a law will have to be enacted to back it to ensure proper accountability., he said.

“Let us have a broader discussion, if we are going to fund them it will come with so much accountability,” he said on the Key Points on TV3 on Saturday, April 27.

The Supreme Court has ruled that payment of salaries to the First and Second Ladies is unconstitutional.

The decision of the apex court followed a suit by Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr.

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.