Former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has charged former President John Mahama with spreading false information about his emoluments.
He added that according to the records, the state pays for a former president to take two holidays each year when he travels for official business abroad.
I’m in charge of paying my own water and electricity bills, says Mahama
Mahama was very clear in a recent interview with TV3 about the specific costs and expenses he has personally borne since leaving office.
The Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye DC, claimed that an ex gratia payment of GH14 million was made into his ADB account in the year 2013; however, Mahama made ten points stating that this claim is an “absolute lie.”
He stated that the Controller and Accountant General only paid him his salary arrears, totaling GHC 230,000, in 2013.
He also mentioned that the point raised by the ruling NPP’s Bono Regional Chairman that he has received privileges and perks totaling GH15 million since leaving office in 2017 is “absolutely false.” And that as a former President, he only receives a monthly pension.
Mahama stated that he pays his electricity and water bills for his household and office, that he lives in his accommodation and that the State does not pay him for accommodation, and that the State has not given him an office. And he pays for office space in Accra’s East Cantonments.
He went on to say that he pays for his fuel, his domestic staff, his medical bills, and his air tickets as well as his assistants whenever he travels.
However, Koku Anyidoho disagreed, claiming that Mahama is spreading lies by claiming that he pays for his own services despite being entitled to the emoluments.
Anyidoho stated in a series of tweets, “John Dramani Mahama is whining and telling lies about his emoluments.” According to documents, the state pays when an ex-President travels abroad on official business; he is also entitled to two vacation days per year. So, if you go on your own to have fun, why should the government pay?
“As John Dramani Mahama continues to complain about his emoluments, I ask: What did you do for the late President Atta-Mills, John Dramani Mahama?” The man who created you as a running mate and vice president in order for you to become President.”