The Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has declared parliament’s approval of salary allowances for the spouses of President and Vice President of Ghana unconstitutional, as it involves payments from the consolidated fund.
In a ruling by a seven-member panel led by Chief Justice Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, and comprising of Justices Gabriel Pwamang, Avril Lovelace-Johnson, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Barbara Ackah-Yensu, Samuel Kwame Adibu Asiedu, and Ernest Yao Gaewu, the court found that the roles of the First and Second Ladies do not qualify as public office positions, and therefore, are not eligible for such compensation.
This ruling emphasizes the court’s stance on maintaining the separation of powers between branches of government and ensuring adherence to constitutional provisions.
Other Details on the Supreme Court of Ghana Ruling on Spouses of President and Vice President of Ghana
The ruling further highlighted the limitations of the Emolument Committee of Parliament, stating that its scope is confined to recommending salaries and other benefits for public office holders only. This decision arose from a case brought forward by Mr. Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye D, the Bono Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The court did not grant Mr. Baffoe’s request to prohibit parliament from initiating or approving payments of any emoluments without a government bill, stating such decisions should be introduced and passed into law. Similarly, reliefs from a case filed by Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, an NDC Member of Parliament for South Dayi Constituency, concerning the recommendations of the Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu Committee, were mostly dismissed, with only one granted.
