The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 24th April, 2024 ruled that First and Second Ladies can not be classified as public office holders and that Parliament’s approval of salaries and allowances for the wife of the president and vice president is unconstitutional.
A seven-member panel led by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo verdict was as a result of a case brought forth by the Bono Regional Chairman of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC.
Speaking in an interview with the media, Abronye DC indicated that the ruling is of public interest.
According to him, Parliament exceeded its jurisdiction when they adopted the emolument Committee report Article 71 only talks about Ministers, Presidential Staffers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Executive Officers not spouses of the president and the vice president.
“I think is a matter of public interest, parliament exceeded its jurisdiction when they adopted the emolument Committee report, Parliament does not have the mandate to adopt that particular issue because if you look at the constitution particularly, Article 71 (A) and (B), it clearly stated that Ministers, Presidential Staffers, Deputy Ministers, Chief Executive Officers,” Abronye DC said.
He added that First and Second Ladies can be added to the position of Article 71 (A) and (B) holders unless that particular provision is amended and it can only be amended through referendum.
“So I was surprised to hear that Parliament has adopted the recommendation that First and Second Ladies should be added to the position as if they are the deputy Ministers. This is why I filed the suit and hopefully the Supreme Court has said that Parliament exceeded their jurisdiction, they don’t have that mandate to add unless that particular provision is amended and it has to be amended through referendum.” Abronye DC indicated.
Similar case was also filed by National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor.
Source: Elvisanokyenews.com
