Chartered Economist, Mr. Amoah Darkwah has recommended that salaries of public officials should be pegged to the health of the economy.
He was speaking in response to the latest 10 percent increment in the emoluments for Article 71 office holders.
Emoluments of Article 71 office holders are charged on the Consolidated Fund and determined by the President on the recommendations of a committee appointed by the President acting in accordance with the advice of the Council of State.
The recommendation for a rise in the emoluments for these public office holders by the Presidential Committee on Emoluments has raised concerns among the general public and some have said, it will add to the country’s financial challenges.
Mr. Amoah Darkwah told Nyankonton Mu Nsem in an interview that, the increment although may not necessarily be a problem; it is alarming considering our economic situation.
He explained, the value involved is still high and together with that of the public sector worker will have serious implication on the economy. He quizzed, “if the economy of Ghana is in a good shape to support an increment in emolument? Are we getting value for money?
“Are our problems being solved following the payment of these salaries?” In his view, he advised for the payment to be pegged against the health of the economy to safeguard our financial security.
The report show that the President, who takes home a non-taxable salary of GH¢15,972, has now been pegged at a new 2016 salary of GH¢22,809. This translates into a 42.8% pay rise over the four years.
Head of the Judiciary, Chief , who was paid GH¢15,552 will be given a new figure of GH¢17,107. The Speaker of Parliament, the head of the Legislative arm of government who is paid GH¢16,174 will be put on 17,791 cedis.
In his conclusion, Mr. Darkwah stressed that our revenue mobilization was challenging and for a huge percentage to be used fro payment of public sector workers is a serious implication to the health of Ghana’s economy.
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