CHAPTER 3: FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

3.1 EXECUTIVE

The Executive comprises the President, Vice President, Ministers of State, and their Deputies, Regional Ministers and their Deputies. Ministers of State are classified as either Cabinet or Non-Cabinet Ministers; some Ministers and Deputy Ministers may also be Members of Parliament.

The proposed Facilities and Privileges, which is the main focus of this Report, aims at the enhancement and sustainment of good governance, and efficient and effective management of the Nation’s resources. The proposed Facilities and Privileges also aim at strengthening Article 71 institutions, which implies continuous capacity building, i.e. the provision of adequate infrastructure, financial resources and human capital.

In determining the new Facilities and Privileges for Article 71 Office Holders, the Committee was mindful of the fact that such Office Holders:

• Occupy high political office, the dignity of which must be safeguarded; and
• Enjoy privileges, which should not be varied to their disadvantage.

On the basis of discussions with various stakeholders, and based on comparative international best practices, the Committee approached this exercise with the following principles in mind:

• Responsibility - Create an environment that encourages responsibility and respect for government property;
• Dignity of Public Office – Recognise the need to protect the dignity of high public office, even beyond the retirement of the Office Holder;
• Altruism – Acknowledge the need to balance the level of compensation with the honour of holding high public office;

• Motivation and reward for excellence – Appreciate the sustenance of good governance and good behaviour expected of leaders and role models;
• Productivity and enhanced performance – Recognise that effective human capital and institutional management constitute the pillars of good governance institutions;
• Fairness and equity;
• The ability to pay; and
• Create the environment to attract high caliber professionals into public offices.

3.1.1 PRESIDENT

The State should provide the following Privileges and Facilities:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

The Committee has taken note of the fact that Flagstaff House has been upgraded to a standard befitting the status of a constitutionally elected Head of State. In addition, the Committee recommends that the State should upgrade and maintain the current National Lodges at Akosombo and Peduase. Regional Lodges should be remodeled to accommodate the President while on tour within the Country. All these Lodges should have adequate facilities appropriate for use by dignitaries who visit as guests of the State.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Appropriate number of staff for office, residence and presidential lodges should be jointly determined by the State Protocol and the Presidency.

SPOUSE SUPPORT

• Given the fact that spouse’s of Presidents engage in official public business, playing an important role alongside the President, the Committee recommends that they be provided offices, appropriately staffed, on the advice of the Head of Civil Service, at the expense of the State, to facilitate this role.
• The Committee has taken note that currently, Spouses of serving Presidents and Vice President and Spouses of deceased former Heads of State and Vice Presidents are paid allowance equivalent to the emoluments of Deputy Ministers. The Committee recommends that this practice be continued, except that, taken into account the special position of the Spouses of a serving President, that payment should be equivalent to that of a Minister.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• Appropriate security measures should be provided by the State. This should be assured as well during Presidential overseas trips.

TRANSPORTATION

• Adequate and appropriate fleet of vehicles to facilitate movement. Vehicles to be fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur driven.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL OFFICIAL BUSINESS TRAVEL

• Overseas travel for Official Business should be made by First Class airline ticket and 5-Star hotel accommodation, and all appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination. The State Protocol should determine and make payment of all expenditures associated with official trips.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental services for the President, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.

• Health (keep-fit) facilities. The State should pay membership fees for Executive health club if the President wishes to avail himself of such facilities. This should be in addition to facilities provided in the residence.

• Personal and Accident insurance coverage.

• Medical emergency room/clinic with medical team at all times with mobile facilities.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Fully furnished residence in the Nation’s Capital with provision of office facilities and guest accommodation, to be maintained by State Protocol. The residence should not revert to the State in the event of the demise of the President, in order not to destabilize the family. This is in line with best practice.

The quality of accommodation should be of a standard befitting a retired Head of State who might be called upon to receive and entertain the network of dignitaries, including Heads of State, both foreign and local, which would have be cultivated during the period in Office. The standard of accommodation should be determined in consultation with State Protocol. A model design is attached to this Report.

• Out-of-capital residence at a location of former President’s choice, which should also not revert to the State in the event of the demise of the former President, for the same reason

• Adequate residential support staff for residences, in and out of the capital, to be provided by State.

• Office facility, fully equipped furnished and staffed with five professionals and adequate secretarial support within the nation’s capital at State expense.

• Six fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fueled and chauffeur-driven vehicles; vehicles to be replaced every four years. Vehicles should be three saloon cars, two cross-country vehicles and one all-purpose vehicle.

• Travel in congested traffic should be facilitated appropriately, with police escort, bearing in mind security considerations.

• Overseas travel once a year, with a maximum duration of 45 days, for former Presidents and Spouses. A former President who has served two consecutive terms should be entitled to a period of 60 days overseas travel, taking into account the longevity of service and accompanying stress, given the demands of the office.

• Three professional and personal assistants and adequate security should accompany a former President on all overseas travel, at the expense of the State. This is in line with best practice.
• Medical and Dental services at the expense of the State.

• Adequate 24-hour security service should be provided at all times.

• Entitlement to Ghana Diplomatic Passport, and diplomatic courtesies for former President and Spouse.

• Entertainment: Adequate provision by State Protocol.

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 12 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata. Where the President has served for a second consecutive term, an additional Non-taxable Resettlement Grant of 6 months of Consolidated Salary for each year of service or pro rata to be paid together with the Non-taxable Ex-gratia of 12 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.

• Non-taxable Pension: As stated on Page 20 of this Report.

INSTITUTE FOR NATIONAL INITIATIVES (establishment of an institute for former Presidents’ initiatives).

• ROLE OF FORMER PRESIDENTS

The Committee acknowledged that former Presidents can and should continue to play important roles in the development of the Nation upon retirement. It was also recognised that most of the former Presidents, who have left political office constitutionally, would like to play a more constructive role with a defined set of tasks during retirement.

• RATIONALE

It is for this reason that the Committee recommends the establishment of an independent, non-partisan Institute, with the sole responsibility of coordinating all initiatives of former Presidents. The main objective of such initiatives are to provide a practical way in which former Presidents can build positive legacies, both at home and abroad, when they have left political office. For some former Presidents, it would seem to be an attractive way of putting their significant talents to good use and minimizing their suffering of withdrawal pangs after a life of prominence and importance. They might pursue a variety of advocacy roles on burning issues such as malaria, HIV/AIDS or other challenges for the people to achieve a decent living and secure a better future.

Furthermore, the former President has already established a global network with international institutions and key people in politics, business and social circles which are assets to be harnessed for the benefit of the Nation, even after retirement.

It is the Committee’s view that establishing such an institute should send a very strong positive message to sitting Presidents that, indeed, there is the potential for a very fulfilling life after the Presidency. Going forward, it is very likely that this Institute may act as the repository for the majority of Presidential papers, writings, and research work. The Institute will also be responsible for disseminating information relating to specific initiatives being undertaken by each former President, and arranging for forums, during which, former Presidents can provide the public with information relating to his/her initiatives. It is recommends that, for supervisory purposes, this independent institute should be housed at GIMPA or a tertiary institution which might offer guidance and supervision during the nascent period.

• FUNDING OF THE INSTITUTE

It was envisaged that in the medium to long term, funding of the Institute should be made by international donor organizations. In fact, one of the main goals of the Institute is to solicit adequate funding from international organisations, such as the UNDP, The World Bank, WHO, etc., to support the individual initiatives undertaken by each former President. However, in the short term, the Committee recommends that the State should provide funding to cover the following:

• Fully furnished office accommodation;
• Adequate office equipment;
• Office staff of not more than 3 professionals and a support staff; and
• Transportation for official use only.

3.1.2 VICE PRESIDENT

The State should provide the following Privileges and Facilities:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

The office accommodation for the Vice President should be located within the President’s office complex.

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Fully furnished, maintained and adequately staffed official residence; with facilities for guests.
• Residential office, to be fully equipped and staffed.
• Recreational and keep-fit facility in residence, where possible. Alternatively, free membership at health (keep-fit) facilities. The State should pay membership fees for Executive health club, if the Vice President wishes to avail himself of such facilities.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Appropriate number of staff for office and residence, to be jointly determined by the State Protocol and the Vice President.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• Appropriate security measures should be provided by the State. This facility should be available to the Vice President during overseas trips.

TRANSPORTATION

• Adequate and appropriate fleet of vehicles to facilitate movement. Vehicles to be fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur driven.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be made by First Class airline ticket and 5-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.
• First class hotel accommodation, when traveling outside Accra, but within Ghana.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental services for the Vice President, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.
• Membership at health (keep-fit) facilities. The State should pay membership fees for Executive health club, if the Vice President wishes to avail himself of such facilities.
• Personal and Accident Insurance coverage.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Medical and Dental services (same as if in office).

• Adequate security at all times, including travel abroad.

• Three fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven cars, to be replaced every four years.

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 8 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata. Where the Vice President has served two consecutive terms, the Non-taxable Ex-gratia for the second term will be equivalent to 12 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.

• Non-taxable Resettlement Grant: Equivalent to 4 months non-taxable Consolidated Salary, for every completed year of service. A Vice President who served two consecutive four-year terms shall receive 6 months of Consolidated Salary for each year served.

• Non-taxable Pension: As stated on Page 20 of this Report. Upon the demise of the former Vice President, the surviving Spouse should receive 50% of the pension entitlement.

• For Vice President who has served for a second consecutive term in office, the Committee recommends that the State provide a free out-of-capital chalet at a location of the Vice President’s choice.


3.1.3 CABINET MINISTER / MINISTER OF STATE / REGIONAL MINISTER / DEPUTY MINISTER

The State should provide the following Facilities and Privileges:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Fully furnished official residence, or 30% of Consolidated Salary, in lieu of use of official residence.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate numbers of staff support to be provided jointly by the state and the Presidency.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• 24-hour Security Service.

TRANSPORTATION

• One official, fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicle.
• Bank loan facilities for the private purchase of a vehicle, repayable by the Office Holder.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be with First Class airline ticket and 4-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.
• Business Class hotel accommodation, when traveling outside Accra, but within Ghana.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental service to Office Holder, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.
• Personal and Accident Insurance coverage.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 6 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.
• Non-taxable Resettlement Grant: Equivalent to 3 months non-taxable Consolidated Salary, for every completed year of service.
• Non-taxable Pension: As stated on Page 21 of this Report.

3.2 THE COUNCIL OF STATE

The Council of State is a body which was enjoined by Chapter 9, Article 89 of the 1992 Constitution to “counsel the President in the performance of his functions.” The Council is required to consider and advise the President, or any other authority, in respect of any appointment which is required by the Constitution or any other law to be made in accordance with the advice of, or in consultation with, the Council of State.” And, “upon request or on its own initiative, the Council of State is to consider and make recommendations on any matter being considered or dealt with by the President, a Minister of State, Parliament or any other authority established by the Constitution.”

According to the Council, its responsibilities are many and varied. In order to fulfill its constitutional mandate of providing valuable counsel and credible advice to the President and Members of his government and other bodies specified by the Constitution, it has to be as fully informed as possible on various issues and matters on which it wishes or is requested to offer such advice.

Research is, therefore, key to the ability of the Council to fulfill its mandate. As a part-time institution, the Members of the Council need support staff. However, the Council currently has no Research Officers. Members are, therefore, compelled to conduct their own research to gather information. They also spend time consulting public and private organizations as well as individuals in order to obtain a better understanding of issues being considered by the Council. The aims of the data-gathering and consultations are to enable Members to make informed contributions at Council plenary meetings and submit proposals for discussion at the Committee meetings.

The Council uses the committee system in the execution of its functions. The fourth Council of State has six committees to handle the different aspects of its duties. These committees meet for three days in the second week of each month. Their recommendations are presented to the plenary meetings, which are also held for three days during the final week of every month. The Council holds emergency meetings, either at the request of the President or Parliament, or at the request of not less than five Members of the Council.

The Council holds meetings with the President once every quarter. The Council normally organizes special meetings to examine presentations to be made to the President. In addition to the quarterly meetings, the Council maintains a close liaison with the President through its Chairman. In a number of cases, a delegation of the Council, led by its Chairman, meets the President to discuss crucial issues.

The Constitution provided that the Council “shall meet for the dispatch of business at least four times in a year.” The third Council, however, met many times in order to deal with the increased volume of work as indicated above. The full implications of the vastly expanded scope and programme of work of the Council should be fully appreciated. What the expanded role means is that, instead of being a part-time body, the Council has evolved into a nearly full-time constitutional organ of state. This makes the need for the support staff all the more imperative.

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

The Secretariat of the Council should be equipped with the requisite database, information systems and storage facilities, competent secretarial staff, Research Officers and other technical staff to support the work of the Council. Such a structure will serve to provide institutional memory. The continuity of the work of the Council will, therefore, be assured as its Membership changes from one administration to another. The current office accommodation for the Council should, therefore, be upgraded.

The rational for the recommendation of Facilities and Privileges for the Chairman and Members of the Council of State is grounded in the concept of good governance and the need for security of tenure during the service period of the Members.

As an advisory body, the Council should be able to work without fear or favour. They should be committed to the duties they have undertaken to discharge, without fear of loss or potential loss of income from their personal professional/vocations as a result of time they have to dedicate to Council matters. Where an individual is being called upon to give up his time in the service of the country, no matter the dignity or prestige the office brings to the holder personally, adequate compensation should be paid to the Office Holders to ensure that they give of their best.

Apart from the monetary compensation, there are other Facilities and Privileges which should be provided to enhance the dignity of the Office Holder. The Office Holder would be better motivated to discharge his duties assiduously, honestly and with due regard for the good of all in the context of good governance.

3.2.0 CHAIRMAN

The State should provide the following Facilities and Privileges:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Free, fully furnished official residence, or 30% of Consolidated Salary, in lieu of use of official residence.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate number of staff support

PERSONAL SECURITY

• 24-hour Security Service.

TRANSPORTATION

• One official, fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicle.
• Bank loan facilities for the private purchase of a vehicle, repayable by the Office Holder.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be with First Class airline ticket and 4-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.
• First class hotel accommodation, when traveling outside Accra, but within Ghana.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES

• Free Medical and Dental service for Member, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 6 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.
• Right to purchase Duty post vehicle upon retirement, however, all associated expenses to be borne by the former Office Holder.

3.2.1 MEMBER

The State should provide the following Facilities and Privileges:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation and library.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.


RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• The State to provide accommodation whenever Members travel for official business. The Council is to consider utilizing guest houses instead of hotels.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate number of staff support

PERSONAL SECURITY

• 24-hour Security Service.

TRANSPORTATION

• Bank loan facilities for the private purchase of a vehicle, repayable by the Office Holder.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be with Business Class airline ticket and 4-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES

• Medical and Dental service for Member, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.


B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 4 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service, or pro rata.

3.3 LEGISLATURE

INTRODUCTION

It was the Committee’s view that, prior to addressing the issue of Facilities and Privileges available o the Members of the Legislature, it was important that their role in the development and/or shaping the political and social structure of the country be properly appreciated.

Principally, the function of a Member of Parliament (MP) is to be involved in legislation. Legislation is not born out of a vacuum. It is born out of the needs of a civilized society. An MP must not only have an ability to sense what are the short and long term needs of the society and the country at large, but also have the power of persuasiveness and determination to promote the needed legislation enacted into law in a manner that is acceptable to the majority of the citizens as being of benefit to them and the country. This is a very heavy responsibility.

As representatives of their constituencies, MPs have always to be alert to the needs of their constituencies and to convey the same to the House. They also act as a conduit between their constituencies and the House and by extension, to the State. Being always in focus, the Parliamentarians are expected to conduct themselves with decorum and decency as should be expected of a role model in society. Apart from their legislative duties, an MP has not only to study and make intelligent contributions during the proceedings in the House, but also to oversee the implementation of the wishes of the Legislature by the Executive.

However, the heaviest burden that MPs have to bear throughout their career as Parliamentarians is the shape of a voter. The needs of a voter are innumerable and may include an expectation of some monetary hand-out from the Parliamentarian to help overcome an immediate financial problem. A voter may need a contribution to a fund to enable his or her child to further their studies, or for a family member’s medical treatment, to name but a few.

The Parliamentarian who ignores the personal needs of his/her voters, however unreasonable such voter expectations and demands might be, does so at the risk of being ousted in the subsequent election. The effort to deal with any such particular need has to be made in a manner that it is seen, appreciated and talked about in the whole of the Constituency.

The Mission of Parliament, as re-stated recently in the “Strategic Plan of 2006” is to, “perform efficiently in the passage of laws; satisfy the needs of the public, be more independent financially and in exercising oversight; and the Parliamentary Service shall facilitate the work of Parliament, enhance its dignity, and adequately inform the public on activities of Parliament.”

In order to fulfill the above mission the Speaker, Leadership and MPs should have Facilities and Privileges which will conform to the dignity of their offices and enable them carry out their duties efficiently and without fear or favour.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

These General Recommendations are made in an effort to strengthen and promote good governance within the Legislature, as a whole.

1. Establish a legislative modernization group.

Legislative strengthening programmes must be built upon a base of support within the Legislature if they are to be effective and endure. Legislatures in many nations have established legislative modernization groups to provide this support. Modernization groups are multi-party boards of Legislatures responsible for the institutional development of the Legislature. Typically, they help build internal support, direct institutional strengthening activities, and deal with problems and difficulties related to legislative modernization.

2. Promote activities to help strengthen relations between the Legislature and civil society.

Legislatures are first and foremost representative institutions. An efficient Legislature that does not relate to its constituents is not an effective Legislature. However, the active and knowledgeable participation of the citizens in the legislative process would legitimize the Legislature as a lawmaking institution. Legislatures are often poorly equipped to understand the needs of and to communicate with the electorate, and civil society organizations tend not to be experienced in dealing with Legislatures.

3. Train Legislators in media relations.

Legislators in many nations are not well prepared to deal successfully with the media. Media relations training, often conducted by legislators and members of the press, help legislators and their staff to write press releases, conduct public meetings, and deal more successfully with the press.

4. Train Legislators in proper procedures.

The legislative work in Parliament is complex. Therefore,, especially for new MPs, and their assistants, there ought to be training involving a) policy making legislative procedures and committee processes, b) the process of defining a public policy issue or problem c) working with others to conceptualize a solution and, d) putting that solution in clear legislative language and then working it through the legislative process into law.

5. Conduct new member orientations.

The public is demanding more accountable, expert and productive Legislatures, which listen to and respond to the needs of constituents. In many countries, new legislators are trained to perform their new tasks; such legislative development programmes assist in this process.

6. Develop professional staff.

Training programmes should be held for professional staff. Modern Legislatures frequently take on professional staff to provide Legislatures with up-to-date information and to help them function more effectively. This professional staff may include committee clerks (to manage committees more professionally), budget staff (to help legislators with their budget making and budget oversight responsibilities) and library research staff (who provide legislators with the information they need to make informed decisions). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals can help Legislatures require ICT knowledge and also provide them with information. The Committee’s recommendation is to utilize national service staff from the universities after offering them induction courses.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

MPs should own their own houses or flats. Currently, the Housing Allowance is 30% of the Consolidated Salary.

(i) It is recommended that incoming Parliamentarians should receive at the beginning of the Parliamentary Term, the equivalent of a full year’s Housing Allowance. This will assist the MP to either rent a house or pay the initial deposit on an accommodation that they intend to purchase.

(ii) In order that this will not be a drain on the Consolidated Fund, subsequent Housing Allowance payments to the MP will be on a monthly basis, resuming from the second year.

It should be noted that in the British Parliament, their housing allowance, equivalent to a full 4 year term allowance, is paid to MPs at the beginning of each parliamentary term. This enables them to purchase or make part payments for flats in London. This could be considered in the future when the nation establishes ability to pay.

Given the urgency of housing accommodation for the incoming MPs, and the excessive costs to the State for temporarily housing them in hotels in Accra, the Committee recommends that each MP should receive from the State, prior to the beginning of each Parliamentary term, a lump-sum amount equivalent to the 30% of the Housing Allowance (based on the Consolidated Salary) for the first year. Once this amount is paid to each MP, there would no longer be a Housing Allowance for the first two years. This would enable the MPs to make their own housing arrangements before the commencement of each Parliamentary term.

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

a) Accra Parliamentary Office

Each MP should have access to an office to allow them to fulfil their Parliamentary duties, i.e. preparation for debates, draft legislation, etc. The office should be equipped with a personal computer and telephone. Given the large number of MPs in relation to the available office space, MPs are encouraged to share office space until the State provides each with the recommended facilities

b) Constituency Office

Each MP should be adequately equipped and staffed and provided with secure office accommodation within the MP’s respective Constituency to enable him or her to properly discharge the duties and responsibilities of office. This should be provided by the State.

OFFICE SUPPORT

(i) Secretarial Assistance

In view of the current large number of MPs (230) it will be prohibitively expensive to provide each MP with a secretary, and they would ultimately be underutilised.

A practical alternative is to provide a secretary each for the Parliamentary Leadership, down through the Deputy Whips, and then have two pools of secretaries, one for the majority party and one for minority parties. Even among the Leadership, some secretaries could be shared for more efficient use of resources. Because the MPs will have computers in their own offices, it should make this proposal feasible, as short memos and letters could be handled by the MPs themselves or their personal assistants.

(ii) Recruitment of Personal Assistants

It is recommended that a Personal Assistant should be provided for each MP, to be paid for by Parliamentary Service. This would provide the MP with assistance in preparing legislation and conducting research, among other duties.

In many countries (e.g. United States, Chile, Brazil, etc.), university interns supplement full-time staff and help meet the research needs of legislators. The cost of such programmes is usually low, as interns receive stipends for their service, in addition to academic credit.

The Committee, therefore, recommends that Parliamentary Service institute a Personal Assistant Programme, which will recruit and train the best graduate students in the country who are interested in legislative work. Qualified graduates from the National Service Personnel programme can also be recruited as Personal Assistants. These recruits should go through a comprehensive training programme, covering all aspects of parliamentary work.

PROVISION OF PENSION FOR THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT

The Committee recommends that all Parliamentarians, depending upon a minimum number of years of service, should receive pension from the State. The Committee recognised that such selflessness and dedication to State, coupled with the respect bestowed upon him or her by virtue of his or her continued re-election, should be acknowledged in a meaningful way.

An important element in the rationale for the provision of a pension for retiring MPs is to reduce incentives to engage in alternative income earning activities during their term of office. Further, the Committee observed that the majority of MPs began their pursuit of a political career and are ultimately successfully elected and sworn into Parliament when they were over 35-40 years of age. It expected that an MP who has served his or her Constituency with dedication, and has met the expectations of the voters, is likely to be re-elected. Assuming that an MP joined Parliament at the age of 40 years and faithfully served for three consecutive terms, by the end of the third term, that MP would have been 52 years old, eight years shy of the mandatory retirement age of 60 years. Given the age limit for employment in the country, it will be nearly impossible for the MP who retired from political office at the age of 55 years to be employed by any institution. Furthermore, it is the Committee’s view that dedicated and competent MPs should be encouraged to seek re-election and continue to serve his or her Constituency and the Nation as a whole.


3.3.0 SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT

The State should provide the following Facilities and Privileges:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Fully furnished official accommodation or 30% of Consolidated Salary if the State is unable to provide accommodation for any reason.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate number of staff support, to be determined by the Parliamentary Service.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• 24-hour Security Service.

TRANSPORTATION

• Two official fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicles to be provided by the State.
• Parliamentary Service should facilitate internal travel arrangements, whenever necessary.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be with First Class airline ticket and 5-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.
• First class hotel accommodation, when traveling outside Accra, but within Ghana.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental service to the Office Holder, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.
• Personal and Accident Insurance coverage.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Medical and Dental service for the former Office Holder and Spouse.
• One saloon car and one all purpose vehicle to be provided by the State upon retirement. These vehicles should be maintained by Parliamentary Service.
• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 7 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.
• Non-taxable Resettlement Grant: Equivalent to 5 months non-taxable Consolidated Salary, for every completed year of service.
• Pension: As stated on Page 21 of this Report.

A former Office Holder should be eligible draw this pension only if he/she does not hold any other appointment remunerated from the Consolidated Fund. An Office Holder must reach the official retirement age of 50 years in order to access this pension.


3.3.1 DEPUTY SPEAKERS OF PARLIAMENT

The State should provide the following Facilities and Privileges:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secured office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.


RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Fully furnished official accommodation or 30% of Consolidated Salary if the State is unable to provide accommodation for any reason.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate number of staff support, to be determined by the Parliamentary Service.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• 24-hour Security Service.

TRANSPORTATION

• Two official fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicles to be provided by the State. Parliamentary Service should facilitate internal travel arrangement whenever necessary.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Business Class airline ticket
• 4-Star Hotel Accommodation
• Appropriate protocol courtesies to be arranged by the Ghana Mission at the destination

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental service to the Office Holder, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.
• Personal and Accident Insurance coverage.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.


B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Medical and Dental service for the former Office Holder and Spouse.
• Right to purchase one Duty post vehicle upon retirement, all subsequent associated expenses to be borne by the former Office Holder.
• Non-taxable Ex-gratia, equivalent to 6 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.
• Non-taxable Resettlement Grant, equivalent to 4 months non-taxable Consolidated Salary, for every completed year of service.
• Non-tax Pension: As stated on page 21 of this Report.

3.3.2 Majority & Minority Leaders/Deputy Majority & Minority Leaders/Majority & Minority Chief Whips/First & Second Deputy Majority & Minority Whips.

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Free, fully furnished official accommodation, or 30% of Consolidated Salary in lieu of use of official accommodation.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate number of staff support.

PERSONAL SECURITY

• 24-hour security service.


TRANSPORTATION

• One State owned, fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicle.

OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be with Business Class airline ticket and 4-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.
• First class hotel accommodation, when traveling outside Accra, but within Ghana.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental service to the Office Holder, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.
• Personal and Accident Insurance coverage.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 6 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.
• Non-taxable Resettlement Grant: Equivalent to 4 months non-taxable Consolidated Salary, for every completed year of service.
• Right to purchase Duty post vehicle upon retirement, however, all associated expenses should be borne by the former Office Holder.
• Non-taxable Pension: As stated on page 21 of this Report.
• Where the former Office Holder takes another income earning appointment from the State, the pension shall cease.
• For those Office Holders who occupy Duty Post Accommodation, it should be stressed, that all payments by the State will be made only after the Office Holder has vacated such Duty Post Accommodation. There will be no exceptions.

3.3.3 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

The State should provide the following Facilities and Privileges:

A) WHILE IN OFFICE

OFFICE ACCOMMODATION

a) Accra Parliamentary Office

• Fully equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

b) Constituency Office

• Adequately equipped, staffed and secure office accommodation within the MP’s Constituency to enable the MP to properly discharge his/her duties and responsibilities. The office should be provided by the State by January 2009. This office should not be used as a political party office; rather, it should be accessible to all members of the Constituency. Furthermore, the Committee recommends that the Electoral Commission should not recognise the Constituency office as a political party office.
• Special facilities for the physically challenged.

RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION

• Free, fully furnished official accommodation, or 30% of Consolidated Salary, in lieu of use of official accommodation.

• Given the urgency of housing accommodation for the incoming MPs, and the excessive costs to the State for temporarily housing them in hotels in Accra, the Committee recommends that each MP should receive from the State, prior to the beginning of each Parliamentary term, a lump-sum amount equivalent to the 30% of the Housing Allowance (based on the Consolidated Salary) for the first two years. This would enable the MPs to make their own housing arrangements before the commencement of each Parliamentary term. Once this amount is paid to each MP, there would no longer be a Housing Allowance during the first two years.

STAFF SUPPORT

• Adequate number of staff support, both at the Parliament House and the Constituency Office. The Parliamentary Service must ensure that the staff is not used for political activities by any political party. The Committee recommends that a Personal Assistant should be provided for each MP, to be paid by Parliamentary Service. This would provide the MP with assistance in preparing legislation and conducting research, among other things

TRANSPORTATION

• Bank loan facilities for the private purchase of a vehicle, repayable over a period of 4 years, using the Ex-Gratia Award as collateral.

TRAVEL FOR OFFICIAL BUSINESS

• Travel abroad for Official Business should be with Business Class airline ticket and 4-Star hotel accommodation, and appropriate protocol courtesies arranged by the Ghanaian Mission or Consul at the destination.
• First class hotel accommodation, when traveling outside Accra, but within Ghana.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL SERVICES AND INSURANCE

• Medical and Dental service to the Office Holder, Spouse and children who are less than 21 years of age.
• Personal and Accident Insurance coverage.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE

• In accordance with government rules and regulations.

B) RETIREMENT FACILITIES AND PRIVILEGES

• Non-taxable Ex-gratia: Equivalent to 5 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro rata.
• Non-taxable Resettlement Grant: Equivalent to 2 months non-taxable Consolidated Salary, for every completed year of service.
• Non-taxable Pension: As stated on page 21 of this Report.
• Where the former Office Holder takes another income earning appointment from the State, the pension will cease.
• For those Office Holders who occupy Duty Post Accommodation, it should be stressed, that all payments by the State will be made only after the Office Holder has vacated such Duty Post Accommodation. There will be no exceptions....

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