The Member of Parliament for the Bosomtwe Freho Constituency, Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Aye has expressed strong concerns about the spending priorities of former President John Dramani Mahama, particularly in relation to foreign missions and staffing.
Speaking on Wontumi TV, Hon. Asafo-Adjei responded to criticisms surrounding President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s ministerial appointments, stating: “People are talking about Nana Addo appointing 120 ministers but look at what Mahama is doing. He has appointed 18 Chief Staffers, and it’s affecting parliamentarians.”
He alleged that former President Mahama has defended his administration’s heavy spending on foreign missions by claiming he is “reforming a broken system.”
“Mahama told parliamentarians that he is spending over $50 billion on rent for foreign missions, so he’s making amendments,” Hon. Asafo-Adjei noted. However, he questioned the rationale behind adding an additional $12 million to the existing costs, describing it as “not understandable.”
Citing the Vienna Convention, Hon. Asafo-Adjei explained the structure and responsibilities within foreign missions. He emphasized that ambassadors mainly perform ceremonial duties on behalf of the President, while the Head of Chancery is the technocrat responsible for administration, operations, and finances.
“Yet, Mahama is spending excessively on Ambassadors and their Deputies, who often do very little,” he stated.
Hon. Asafo-Adjei also outlined the financial implications:
“Each of these officials earns about $7,000 a month—that’s roughly GHS 90,000 to GHS 100,000—plus $500 for rent, a personal driver, a cook, a new car, and other allowances similar to those of ambassadors. It’s a huge burden on the state.”
Source: wontumionline.com
