Presidential spouses’ salary: Supreme Court postpones ruling again to July 27

The Supreme Court has for the second time failed to deliver its judgement in a case challenging payment of salaries to spouses of the President and Vice President.

The court now says it will deliver its judgement on July 27.

The Court previously indicated it was delivering its decision on May 4 and July 22. 

Two MPs Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor of South Dayi, Dr. Clement Apaak of Builsa South and private citizen Frederick Nii Commey filed the action against the Attorney General.

The Committee had recommended that the First Lady be paid a salary equivalent to a Cabinet Minister who is a Member of Parliament (MP) while her husband is in office and the payment of a salary equivalent to 80% of the salary of a Minister of State who is a Member of Parliament (MP) if the spouse served one full term as President or 100% of the salary of a Minister of State who is a Member of Parliament (MP) if the spouse served two or more full terms as President.

The Committee further suggested that the Second Lady be paid a salary equivalent to a Cabinet Minister who is not an MP while her husband is in office and the payment of a salary equivalent to 80% of the salary of a Minister of State who is not a Member of Parliament (MP) if the spouse served one full term as President or 100% of the salary of a Minister of State who is a Member of Parliament (MP) if the spouse served two or more full terms as Vice President.

But the plaintiffs say Ntiamoa-Baidu Emoluments Committee did not have the power to recommend payment of salaries or provision of any facilities to the first and second lady.

On the back of this, Mr. Dafeamekpor told pressmen the court must begin to adopt technology to publish judgements to avoid inconveniencing parties with such adjournments.

Meanwhile, First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo and wife of Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, Samira Bawumia have both returned to the state, salaries paid to them in 2021.

Source: Myjoyonline.com