The Public Affairs Directorate of Parliament has dismissed reports the Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, requested $50,000 from its vault just a week after his trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for medical review.
The reports were first published by the Daily Guide newspaper.
But a release issued by the Director of Public Affairs, Kate Addo, on Friday, March 18 denounced the reports and stated categorically that “the Rt. Hon. has not, at any point in time, made direct cash requests from Parliament”.
“The conditions of service of public employees, including political office holders, cover medical care, both local and foreign,” the release further noted.
It said Speaker Bagbin has not at any point even altered the areas of coverage for former and current parliamentarians and Speakers as recommended by the Presidential Commission on Emoluments.
“The current Speaker has no authority and has not made any attempt to, in anyway amend or alter what has been in existence before he came into office.
“Parliament is fully aware of the dire times we are in as a country and is mindful to avoid any profligate spending,” it stated, adding that the Eighth Parliament has sought to put the interest of the taxpayer at the fore of all its considerations and deliberations.
“This has manifestly exhibited in the way proceedings have been held since January 2021.”
It asked the media to be fair and temperate in their reportage as partners to the overall development of the country.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|editors.3news.com|Ghana
