Former President John Dramani Mahama has said he will scrap the payment of ex-gratia to Article 71 office holders should he be re-elected President of Ghana in the 2024 elections.

Mr Mahama said this in the Volta Region, today, Thursday, 2 March 2023, at the launch of his campaign.

Speaking at the Cedi Auditorium at the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho, Mr. Mahama said “The payment of ex-gratia to members of the executive will be scrapped. The necessary Constitutional steps to do this will start in earnest in 2025. We will also persuade members of the other arms of government to accept its removal.”

He said if elected president, his new administration will make sure to restore confidence in state institutions.

“Issues pertaining to the exercise powers of the president, proper separation of powers, strengthening of Parliament, restoring the independence of the judiciary, independent and quasi-state institutions and depoliticising them.

“These will take the centre stage of the new administration,” he said.

Mr Mahama asked the NDC delegates to vote for him to lead the party into the 2024 elections.

He said he knows how to lead and get the country out of the economic crisis caused by the Akufo-Addo-led government.