Former Assembly Members in Okere District Assembly in the Eastern Region are furious over the decision by the Assembly to pay Ghc450 to each member as ex-gratia.
Many of the former Assembly Members say they have not been treated fairly, therefore, calling for an increment to at least Gh1000.
They told us our ex-gratia was ready so we should come for it only to notice Ghc450 in an envelope as ex-gratia. This is an insult to us. Having served the assembly this is what they are giving to us. we the first session of Assembly members sacrificed a lot for the assembly because it is a new District. Even during the confirmation of the current DCE, we all agreed that we are not going to take money from him before we confirm him and even the presiding member as done in other assemblies. So if at the end of the day you give us this meager amount as ex-gratia that is disrespecting ” A former Assembly Member told Starr News under the condition of anonymity.
Okere District Assembly was carved out of Akuapem North Municipality was inaugurated in March 2018. It has 31 Assembly Members made up of both elected and appointed Assembly members.
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Okere, Daniel Kenneth however told mybrytfmonline.com that, majority of the Assembly Members appreciate the amount given considering the financial challenges of the Assembly.
“Please they received Ghc500 and a tax of 10% was deducted. And they are aware that is always the case. Please ex -gratia is based on our ability to pay which I have explained to them. We are a new district. We are even struggling to raise Ghc300,000 annually as IGF. Ex gratia is a range and to be honest with you most of my assembly members appreciate it and they know that we have a financial challenge”. The DCE said.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah