The Supreme Court of Ghana has made a landmark decision by ruling that the payment of salaries to the First and Second Ladies of the country is unconstitutional.
This decision came after a suit was filed by the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Mr. Kwame Baffoe, also known as ‘Abronye’.
In June 2019, President Akufo-Addo set up a five-member committee chaired by Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu to make recommendations on the salaries, allowances, facilities, and privileges of Article 71 officeholders. However, this move was met with opposition, leading to legal action.
Abronye presented several reliefs to the Supreme Court, including declarations that the approval of salaries for the First and Second Ladies by Parliament was inconsistent with the Constitution, and that these positions do not fall under the category of public office holders.
Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, who presided over the panel of Judges, dismissed most of the reliefs sought by South Dayi Member of Parliament, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, and also rejected the fourth relief sought by Kwame Baffoe. The court emphasized the importance of distinguishing between the committee’s recommendations and the actions of Parliament in their decision.
Overall, this ruling has sparked debates on the roles and responsibilities of the First and Second Ladies in Ghana and the legal framework surrounding their remuneration. The Supreme Court’s decision sets a precedent for the governance and accountability of public funds in the country.
