Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Dramani Mahama has assured assembly members across the country that the next NDC government will pay them allowance as he promised in 2016.
He says the assembly members who dwell with the indigenes become the first point of contact when the people are in need.
He has explained that the numerous demands made by residents on these assembly members who are not on government payroll makes it unbearable for them, reemphasising the need to cushion them in performing those roles.
Speaking at Duayaw Nkwanta on Day One of his ‘Building Ghana Tour’ in the Ahafo region, he said all the 6000 assembly members across the country will be beneficiaries of the policy should the NDC be given the opportunity to lead Ghana in 2025.
Speaking in Twi, Mr. Mahama said “residents always knock on the doors of assembly members in the morning for their children’s hospital bills, afternoon for children’s school fees, in the night and demand a vehicle to transport a pregnant woman in labour to the hospital.
“The assembly member is expected to attend the naming ceremony, attend funerals so we wondered why we pay ministers, MPs and not the assembly members who live with the residents. Because the MPs do not stay with the people always as well as the Minister. But the assembly member always stays with the people so we asked why we cannot give them something to cushion their activities?
“In all we have 6,000 across the entire country so we’ll give them something small to encourage them to work.”
On how he intends funding the initiative, the former President said the excessive spending at the Office of the President and cutting down on the number of Ministers was enough to cater for the allowances.
He reiterated his commitment to capping his ministers at 60 to make room for the extra expenses to be channelled to supporting the assembly members.
“Someone asked where we are going to get the money and I said if we are able to manage the funds at the Office of the President, we’ll get that money to give the assembly men.
“President Akufo-Addo appointed 127 ministers and each minister must be given a house by the government, given two cars — a landcruiser 4×4 and saloon car he will use in town. His fuel must and power in his house are taken over by the government, his water bills, telephone bills and others are all paid by the government including his salary. So why don’t we reduce the ministers and use the extra funds there to pay the assemblymen.
“That’s why I’ve intended to cap my ministers at 60 in the next NDC government to use the extra money for the assembly members,” he explained.
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