Ghana Judiciary Declares Approval of President/Vice President Wives Salaries Unconstitutional

Rebecca Akufo-Addo (L) and Samira Bawumia (R), the wives of the President and Vice President respectively. Photo Source: Getty Images

The case challenging the approval of payment of salaries to spouses of the President and the Vice-President of Ghana has been dismissed by the Ghanaian Supreme Court. In a judgement on April 24, 2024, the court declared Parliament’s approval of these salaries unconstitutional.

The court ruled that the spouses of the President and the Vice-President do not fall under the category of public office holders. The Emolument Committee of Parliament is limited to recommending salaries and benefits for public officeholders only.

However, the court did not grant the request to declare that Parliament cannot initiate or approve payment of such emoluments without a bill.

The committee, led by Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, recommended that the First Lady receive a salary equivalent to a cabinet minister who is an MP while her husband is in office. For the wives of Vice Presidents, the committee recommended a salary equivalent to a cabinet minister who is not an MP while her husband is in office.