The Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA) has described the institution of a pension scheme for retired legislators as a probable solution to concerns of ex-gratia payment over the years.
Majority Leader in parliament, Mahama Ayariga, on January 29, 2025, proposed the establishment of a committee to explore various pension scheme models suitable for former Members of Parliament (MPs).
This, he says, will ensure the financial security of former lawmakers.
Speaking to Citi News, The Executive Director of The Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), Dr. Rasheed Draman urged parliament to review the pension scheme of public and civil servants to improve the livelihood of the ordinary Ghanaian.
“I think this issue has been on for some time now for many legislations, it’s been something that has been discussed extensively. There are much bigger questions about the plight of the generality of our citizens who have also served and retired and are facing some circumstances even more difficult than former MPs.
“I think while this is being looked at for former MPs, there’s the need for a conversation that parliament can lead. Perhaps this can be a scheme that can solve the ex gratia concern once and for all,” he stated.
He further encouraged the parliamentarians to rather improve the SSNIT pension scheme system so it can cater for former lawmakers.
“Why wouldn’t they think of putting them in the same pension scheme we are all on (SSNIT), if that’s a group we have entrusted the mandate of managing pension schemes in this country then we have to look at putting the members of parliament there too,” added.
He further cautioned the committee that will be instituted to deliberate and roll out the scheme, devoid of exploitation of the ordinary Ghanaian.
“It looks as if we are in an era where citizens abhor situations where our Ghanaians are at the service of the ruling elites. Whatever the outcome one will be, I hope the leaders will be mindful of that because anything that gives the semblance of the elites exploiting the circumstances to take advantage of Ghanaians might not in the long run ensure their benefit in terms of the kind of reaction it can generate,” he stated.
