Respect, dignity for ex-presidents: Ghanaian enigma

The treatment of Ghana's ex-presidents has raised questions about respect, dignity and fairness.

It appears that former presidents are not accorded the same level of respect and dignity as their predecessor, when it comes to the emoluments agreed upon by Parliament for them.

However, former President Kufuor, is currently enjoying the full benefits due to him as an ex-president, but the same could not be said for former Presidents Rawlings and Mahama, who were denied some of their benefits by the J. A. Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo administrations, respectively.

This raises several questions. Should ex-President Akufo-Addo enjoy the benefits due to him as a former president, as ex-President Kufuor? Or should these benefits be applicable only depending on which party is in power?

It's worth noting that the Committee for Joint Action (CJA), a pressure group, has called for a review of the retirement benefits for ex-presidents, citing concerns about the lavish nature of these benefits.

Information is that ex-President Mahama retired with a pension of GH¢22,809. However, it's unclear whether he received the full range of benefits due to him as an ex-president.

Ultimately, the treatment of Ghana's ex-presidents is a matter of respect, dignity and fairness.

It's essential to ensure that these leaders are accorded the same level of respect and dignity, regardless of their party affiliation or the administration in power.

Anything less, undermines the integrity of Ghana's democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Moses Sackie Agbemava,
Presbyterian Church of Ghana, 
Dansoman Estates, Accra.