I Use A Private Office, Pay My Own Rent – Mahama Denies Owusu Bempah’s ‘Lies’

In a strongly worded rebuttal, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a spokesperson for former President John Dramani Mahama, has refuted allegations made by Ernest Kofi Owusu-Bempah, the Deputy Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Owusu-Bempah had claimed that Mahama has received approximately GH¢32 million in state funds since leaving office in 2017, including substantial payments and benefits.

Mogtari dismissed these claims as “unintelligent lies” propagated by a discredited voice within the Bawumia and Akufo-Addo administration. She emphasized that Mahama’s only benefit from the state is his constitutionally mandated monthly pension, similar to those received by other former presidents, including John Agyekum Kufour.

According to Mogtari, Mahama operates from a private office for which he pays monthly rent, contradicting Owusu-Bempah’s assertion that the former President enjoys a fully furnished state-provided office with extensive staff support. She also denied that Mahama receives the various other state-funded benefits alleged by Owusu-Bempah, including transportation and overseas trips.

In her response, Mogtari criticized the Akufo-Addo administration, labeling it as the most corrupt in Ghana’s history and accusing it of plunging the nation into unprecedented hardship and poverty. She suggested that Vice President Bawumia is being used to deflect accountability and perpetuate state capture.

“Mr. Mahama remains steadfast in his promise to fight corruption when he is sworn into office. This includes scrapping the payment of ex-gratia and removing other benefits available to members of the executive and officials of state-owned organisations,” Mogtari stated. She highlighted Mahama’s commitment to combating corruption and serving the people with integrity.

Owusu-Bempah had detailed several benefits he claimed Mahama received, including GH¢18 million from taxpayers, GH¢14 million in ex-gratia, and a non-taxable salary adjustment from GH¢22,809 to GH¢35,000 per month. He also alleged that Mahama had been provided with two Toyota Land Cruiser V8 vehicles, along with a chauffeur, and that the state had funded numerous overseas trips for the former president.

Source: GhanaFeed.Com