Former President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to scrap ex-gratia payments to members of the executive under Article 71 of the Constitution if he is voted back into power in the 2024 general elections.

Speaking at the launch of his flagbearership campaign titled “Building the Ghana We Want Together”, held in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, on Thursday, February 2, 2023, Mahama announced the bold reform as part of his broader plan to restore accountability and economic discipline.

“The payment of ex-gratia to executive members under Article 71 will be discontinued,” Mahama declared to loud applause from party faithful.

He used the platform to sharply criticize the current Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, accusing it of mismanaging the economy and worsening the living conditions of Ghanaians.

“Our current state and its impact on our people deeply trouble me,” Mahama said. “We will not run a government of slogans, but of action.”

The former president emphasized that Ghana’s recovery requires experience, commitment, and practical leadership, qualities he believes he has demonstrated before.

“At this time, Ghana does not require a ‘try-me-too’ leader. Ghana needs a leader who accepts responsibility and works to solve problems, not one who shifts blame to others,” he said.

Mahama is seeking to lead the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into the 2024 elections and reclaim the presidency. He faces competition within the party, including from former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffuor and former Kumasi Mayor Kojo Bonsu.

The announcement to cancel ex-gratia payments is likely to ignite national debate on Article 71 officeholders’ benefits, a long-standing issue that has sparked calls for constitutional reform.