The President, John Dramani Mahama, as well as his vice, the speaker of Parliament and other public officials paid under the constitution’s Article 71, are to receive a 10% pay increase retrospectively, covering the period from 2013 till now.
The Presidential Committee on Emoluments proposed the pay increase, which were presented in a report to Parliament which has been approved by the august body.
The decision, according to the Committee, was “based on the committee’s guiding principles of fairness, equity, motivation and ability of government to pay”, Joy News reports.
“Details of the report show that President, who takes home a non-taxable salary of GH¢15,972  has now been pegged at a new 2016 salary of GH¢22,809. This translates into a 42.8% pay rise over the four years.” the report continues.
“The Chief Justice, head of the Judiciary, is paid GH¢15,552 but can now expect a new figure of GH¢17,107.
“The Speaker of Parliament, the head of the Legislative arm of government who is paid GH¢16,174 will be put on 17,791 cedis.”
This new increase is occurring because whilst some article 71 holders received a pay increase a few years ago, that did not affect the President, his Vice and other office holders. So those not affected by the previous ones receive a 10% increase.
On top of that, everyone else gets a 10% increase.