Constitutional Amendment Committee should consider Independent Emoluments Commission for Article 71 Office Holders – Jerry James Sukah (Papa Jay) suggests 

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Director for the Oforikrom Constituency, Jerry James Sukah, popularly known as Papa Jay, has added his voice to the growing call for a fundamental review of how salaries and benefits for Article 71 officeholders are determined in Ghana.

Speaking on Kessben FM’s political show, Democracy, Papa Jay proposed the establishment of an independent Emoluments Commission as part of the ongoing constitutional amendment discussions.

Article 71 of the 1992 Constitution empowers the President, in consultation with the Council of State, to determine the salaries and benefits of certain high-ranking public officials, including the President, Vice President, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, the Judiciary, and heads of key public institutions.

However, this framework has faced growing criticism from civil society, governance experts, and the general public, who argue that the process is shrouded in secrecy, disproportionately benefits the political elite, and lacks fairness compared to how the majority of public sector workers are treated.

As Ghana undertakes discussions around constitutional reforms, especially concerning governance structure, decentralization, and the separation of powers, Papa Jay insisted that the matter of emoluments must be treated as a priority area.

He further called for broader stakeholder consultations that include civil society organizations, labor unions, academia, and ordinary citizens.

Public discontent with Article 71 benefits often spikes whenever news emerges about salary increases for MPs or ex gratia payments. Many Ghanaians feel the system is exploitative, especially in light of widespread economic challenges, high unemployment, and under-resourced public institutions.

The Constitutional Review Committee, reconstituted earlier this year, has already begun stakeholder engagements. Issues on the table include the separation of the Attorney-General’s office from the Ministry of Justice, limiting presidential powers, and enhancing decentralization.

Papa Jay urged the committee to include the Emoluments Commission proposal in its preliminary report and to recommend legislation that would make it binding on future governments.