Former President Mahama responded to those who demanded that he return their ex-gratia.
Following Mr. Mahama’s declaration that he would stop paying ex-gratia to Article 71 officeholders during his second term as president, these demands were made.
Mr. Mahama, in response, said that although he had previously stated that he would cancel it, he had already spent the money that had been paid to him.
READ ALSO: Next NDC Will Prosecute All Corrupt NPP Officials – Mahama Declares
“I say we will cancel ex gratia, if you will also cancel it say it but why are you insulting me and saying I should refund mine? Will you cancel it or you won’t, tell the people of Ghana but they are saying I should bring mine first.
“I have spent the money already and now I am a pensioner, where am I going to get that money to pay back? I am unemployed but they say to bring yours to show you have a good faith, I have no source of income, and you say I shouldn’t work.
“They say the president should not hold the office of profits so you gave it to me, I spent it then you come and say I should refund it, where am I going to refund it from?
“They don’t understand the gravity of the situation. I do think that those of them who speak for NPP, don’t understand the gravity of the situation, but is good for our party,” He said at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Professional Forum Dinner and Awards Night in Accra on Sunday, March 5.
