The government of Ghana has announced its support for taxing the president’s salary and allowances, according to a report by Graphic Online. The decision comes as part of a broader set of constitutional reforms that the government has accepted.
Under the proposal, the president would pay income tax on both their salary and official allowances, bringing them in line with other public officeholders. However, retirement benefits for the president would remain exempt from taxation, Graphic Online reports. The government’s position was confirmed by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, according to CitiNewsroom.com.
The move is one of several constitutional changes the government has backed. Reuters reports that the government supports extending the presidential term to five years and lowering the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35. Additionally, GBC Ghana Online states the government has accepted a proposal to cap the Supreme Court at 19 members and introduce a 10-year term for the Chief Justice. 3News adds that the government also supports limiting ministerial appointments to 60.
These reforms are part of a broader review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. The government’s acceptance of taxing the president’s salary and allowances signals a shift toward greater fiscal accountability for the highest office in the land.
Observers will watch for the next steps in the constitutional review process and whether Parliament will formally adopt these proposals into law.
