‘Rich’ Akufo-Addo was personally paying NPP MPs’ salary more than even the state – Ursula-Owusu reveals

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the former Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, made a revelation. She stated that former President Akufo-Addo personally paid New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs more than the state did.

Owusu questioned if NPP members appreciate Akufo-Addo's efforts. She asked if the party is worth dying for if they do not. In her defense of Akufo-Addo, she noted he provided monthly top-ups to all MPs for eight years. These top-ups were often more than their regular salaries.

She explained that Akufo-Addo kept the party united during eight years in opposition and eight years in government. He financed party structures every month, sending allowances to constituencies, regions, and national offices.

In a Facebook post, she expressed gratitude to those criticizing him for the NPP's defeat. She suggested they would have praised him had they won. Owusu emphasized that Akufo-Addo worked hard to support his vice president throughout their long relationship.

She reminded NPP members of his goal to hand over power to an NPP president. Despite financing party structures and providing MP top-ups, some claim he wanted to destroy the party he helped build. She highlighted his contributions like keeping schools open and creating jobs.

Owusu defended Akufo-Addo’s legacy by stating he accepts blame for any shortcomings. She noted that not everyone could be appointed to government positions from the 4 million supporters of the NPP. Those dissatisfied with their appointments often blame him.

She questioned whether appreciating leaders like Akufo-Addo is essential for valuing the NPP. Meanwhile, veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr commented on her Facebook post defending Akufo-Addo.

Pratt pointed out that Owusu claimed Akufo-Addo paid 127 MPs after state payments were made. He suggested this indicates that Akufo-Addo had significant financial resources at his disposal. He acknowledged her detailed remarks about how much more he paid compared to state salaries.

Pratt concluded by noting that whenever funds were needed by the party, Akufo-Addo personally provided them.