In a recent landmark ruling, the Supreme Court of Ghana has declared the parliament's approval of salaries for the First and Second Ladies as unconstitutional. The panel of seven judges, presided over by Chief Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoo, emphasized that the action was inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution.
The judgment, which followed a legal action initiated by Kwame Baffoe, the Bono Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, highlighted that the positions of the First and Second ladies do not fall under the category of Public Office holders as outlined in Article 71(1) and (2) of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana. As a result, the approval by Parliament to pay salaries to the First and Second ladies was deemed null, void, and unenforceable.
Furthermore, the panel emphasized that the Emolument Committee is limited to recommending salaries, benefits, and privileges only for public office holders as stipulated in Article 71 of the Constitution. The Court also dismissed the notion that Parliament can initiate or approve payment of such emoluments without a bill from the Government duly passed into law.
This ruling has significant implications for the governance and financial administration of public funds in Ghana. It underscores the importance of upholding constitutional provisions and ensuring that public resources are allocated in accordance with legal frameworks. The decision sets a precedent for the delineation of public office holders and the appropriate procedures for approving emoluments paid from public funds.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve, this ruling serves as a reminder of the judiciary's role in upholding the principles of constitutional governance. It also highlights the importance of adherence to legal processes in matters concerning public finances and governmental expenditures.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court's ruling on the approval of salaries for the First and Second Ladies reaffirms the commitment to constitutional principles and sets a clear precedent for the delineation of public office holders in Ghana. This decision underscores the significance of legal clarity in matters of governance and financial administration, ultimately contributing to a transparent and accountable democratic system.
-source starrfm | curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
