THE FORMER President and the founder of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, has stated that the recommendations in Mad. Chinery Hesse’s report on ex-gratia award for former Presidents was not only an attempt by ex-President John Agyekum Kufour to rip-off the nation, but also to cover up his ill-gotten wealth during his administration.

Describing the recommendation as ridiculous and outrageous, he said “It is absolute thievery at the highest level. It is just an attempt to hide the stolen wealth.”

Speaking through his spokesperson, Mr. Kofi Adams, he said Mr. Rawlings was not in a position to accept such recommendations, knowing the conditions of Ghanaians.

“He will not rip-off the nation under the name of serving the nation, whilst people wallow in abject poverty and squalor.” Mr. Adams contended that such whooping sums of money could have been used to help people get good drinking water and quality education among others. To him, the two houses, six cars and other emoluments for the former President was uncalled for. Mr. Adams also denied the allegations that Mr. Rawlings was given 17 cars when he left office.

He said, currently the former President has no state vehicle at his disposal and that even two of his personal vehicles were seized by the then administration, under President John Agyekum Kufuor. Asked whether his boss would accept the recommendations if the sitting President, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills approves the recommendations, he responded in the negative. “He will reject it outright. He thinks of the ordinary masses more than himself. It was his view that such money should be given out to support the needy, build more schools for the nation and to get good drinking water among others, for the suffering people.”

In a telephone interview with this paper yesterday, Mr. Adams noted that the only thing that the former President Rawlings, whose protocol privileges were withdrawn by the then Kufuor led regime, through Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, then Minister of Foreign Affairs, was the house that he is currently occupying.

According to him, the Ridge residence of the former President belongs to the state, but everything within the household was financed by Mr. Rawlings himself. He could not understand why the NPP administration failed to apply the Greenstreet Report for Mr. Rawlings and rather deprived him of all his entitlements till date.

On his part, the former Special Assistant, Mr. Emmanuel Victor Smith, also rubbished the assertions that Mr. Rawlings took home 17 state vehicles. He admitted that the cars were brought to him, but his former boss rejected them and ordered that they be sent back to the Chief of Staff.

Victor-Smith explained how the household of Flt. Lt. Rawlings suffered in the hands of the NPP administration in terms of remuneration as against the Greenstreet report.

According to him, upon consistent complaint, the approval was given that some staff of the former President should be paid. He stated that they received their salaries in November-December 2007.

It would be recalled that the retirement facilities were compiled by the Chinery Hesse Committee, approved by parliament and forwarded to the then Chief of Staff, Mr. Kwadwo Mpiani on January 6, this year, for implementation.

The Committee recommended that former Presidents should be provided with 6 fueled and chauffer-driven vehicles to be replaced every four years, offices and residences in and out of the nation’s capital, three professional and personal assistants, non-taxable ex-gratia awards plus pension benefits, entertainment at the expense of the state and $1million for a foundation.

The Chinery Hesse Report on the retirement facilities and privileges of ex Presidents states; “Fully furnished residence in the nation’s capital, provision of office facilities and guest accommodation to be maintained by state protocol.

The residence should not revert to the state in the event of the demise of the former President in order not to destabilize the family, in line with best practices.

The quality of accommodation should be of a standard befitting a retired Head of State, who must be called upon to receive and entertain the network of dignitaries including Heads of States which would have been cultivated during the period in office.

The standard of accommodation must be determined in consultation with state protocol. A model design is attached to the report.

Out-of-Capital residence at a location of the former President’s choice, which should also not revert to the state in the event of the demise of the former President for the same reason. Adequate residential support staff for the residences in and out of the capital, to be provided by the state.

Office facility, fully equipped furnished and staffed with five professionals and adequate secretarial support within the nation’s capital at the State’s expense, at a location to be determined in consultation with the former President.

Six fully maintained comprehensively insured, fuelled and chauffeur-driven vehicles; vehicles to be replaced every four years. The vehicles should be three saloon cars, two cross country vehicles and one all purpose vehicle (armoured car). Travel in congested traffic should be facilitated appropriately with police escort, bearing in mind security considerations. Overseas travel once a year with a maximum duration of 45 days for former Presidents and spouses

A former President who has served two consecutive terms should be entitled to a period of 60 days overseas travels, taking into account the longevity of service and accompanying stress given the demands of the office.

Three professional and personal assistants and adequate security should accompany the former President in all overseas travels at the expense of the state; this is in line with best practice.

Medical and Dental services at the expense of the State. Adequate 24hour security service should be provided at all times. Entitlement to Ghana diplomatic passport, and diplomatic courtesies for former president and spouse. Entertainment; adequate provision by state protocol. Non taxable Ex-gratia award: Equivalent to 12 months Consolidated Salary for each full year of service or pro-rata.

Where the President has served for a second consecutive term, an additional nontaxable resettlement grant of 6 months of consolidated salary for each full year of service, or pro-rata prepaid with nontaxable ex-gratia of 12months of consolidated salary for each year served.

The Committee also acknowledged that the former Presidents should be put in a position to use the experience which they would have garnered during their time in office; this would also have the advantage of mitigating withdrawal pangs after a life of prominence and importance.

In addition to mobilizing resources from the many international Development Partners who have expressed the willingness to support such a cause in promotion of good governance and democracy, the Committee recommends that the State should provide seed money, equivalent to one million US dollars as an endowment to launch this project.

This Institute might be associated with one of the tertiary institutions or a think, which might give technical and professional support during the nascent period.