CJA's Petition to President Mills

We, the members of the CJA, are deeply concerned that, in the face of the poor state of the national economy and the high Ievels of poverty among the vast majority of the people of this country, the Chinery- Hesse set up by ex-president JA Kufuor recommended such high levels of emoluments and retirements benefits for some categories of public office holders.

We are particularly horrified by the privileges recommended for ex-president Kufuor as retirement benefits, in addition to the already generous benefits provided in the 1992 Constitution.

You may appreciate that these payments to only a few people will cost the nation several trillions of Cedis at a time when resources are needed to cater for the needs of the people, such as good health, education, jobs and portable water.

We of the CJA believe that public service must not become a self-serving exercise designed to feather the nests of the elite. On the contrary, public office holders must serve the interests and meet the aspirations of the people, including those of the poor.

As citizens of this country, we call on you to show consideration for the plight of the poor people of Ghana by refraining from over-burdening them with excessive payments for the personal comforts of a few people. In this connection, we send this petition asking you:

• Not to implement the Chinery-Hesse Report
• To set up a new committee to review the Report with a view to recommending reasonable retirement benefits for public officials, including Ex-President Kufuor and Ex-President Jerry John Rawlings.

• To submit the approved report to Parliament for consideration

• To institute a broad framework for pay and benefits for public officers for the long term

We sincerely hope that you will give consideration to our petition as demonstration of your commitment to the principles of equity and prudence in the allocation of public resources.

Yours Sincerely,
Kwesi Pratt

On behalf of the Committee for Joint Action (CJA)