According to Agyapong, many former MMDCEs have waited for a long time to receive the benefits due to them after leaving office. He believes the issue deserves urgent attention and has promised to appeal to the Finance Ministry to help ensure the outstanding payments are settled.
Ex-gratia is a benefit paid to eligible public officeholders after the completion of their service. For many former MMDCEs, the delay in receiving these payments has reportedly created financial difficulties, prompting renewed calls for government intervention.
Kennedy Agyapong stressed the important role MMDCEs play in local governance, noting that they are responsible for coordinating development projects and implementing government policies at the district level. He argued that providing them with their rightful benefits is a way of recognizing their contribution to national development.
His comments have renewed discussion about the timely payment of statutory benefits to public officials. Supporters believe settling the outstanding ex-gratia would demonstrate fairness and appreciation for the service rendered by former local government executives.
The Finance Ministry has not yet publicly responded to Agyapong's appeal. Many stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the intervention leads to action on the long-standing issue of unpaid ex-gratia for former MMDCEs.