Parliament meets behind closed doors on Article 71 emoluments amid public criticism

Parliament has entered a closed-door session to deliberate on emoluments for Article 71 officeholders, including the executive and judiciary.

These emoluments, governed by Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, cover salaries, allowances, and ex gratia payments, which are finalized at the end of officeholders' tenure.

Critics have long questioned the fairness of this reciprocal arrangement, where Parliament approves benefits for the executive, and the executive does the same for MPs, the Speaker, and Deputy Speakers.

Many argue it favors top officials while neglecting ordinary public sector workers, especially amid economic challenges.

Incoming President John Mahama has pledged to abolish the controversial ex gratia payments, intensifying calls for constitutional reforms to make the system more transparent and equitable.