Mr. Francis Kwame Asare, a communicator for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Biakoye Constituency of the Oti region, has expressed his support for former President Mahama’s proposal to curb government expenditure by ending free fuel and utility bill payments for government officials.
During an interaction with the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Mahama outlined his administration’s plans to implement cost-saving measures, including reducing incentives for government officials. He emphasized that only government vehicles used for official duties would be eligible for state-provided fuel.
“We will discontinue the payment of utility bills, fuel, and DSTV as conditions of service for top government officials, directors, and the political class,” Mahama explained.
“We believe that individuals should take responsibility for paying their own electricity bills and water, just like every other Ghanaian,” Mahama said.
Mr. Asare, speaking on Dream FM’s “Dream In The Morning” show hosted by Nana Yaw Asiamah, praised Mahama’s call, urging a review of the rules and acts that provide for such incentives.
“It’s challenging to determine whether an official is conducting official business or personal activities. I advocate for scrapping the rules and acts that provide for these incentives to help reduce expenditure,” Mr. Asare stated.
Asare cautioned that removing these incentives must be done without introducing alternative benefits or increasing salaries, emphasizing the need for equity in the system.
“We should ensure that they don’t replace these incentives with another form of emoluments or increase their salaries. The Ex Gratia should also be abolished, and all public officers should be enrolled in the SSNIT scheme,” Mr. Asare cautions.
Source: modernghana.com
