The Amount of Money Ghanaians MPs Receive As Ex-Gratia After One Term

In Ghana, Members of Parliament (MPs) are entitled to a substantial end-of-service benefit known as ex-gratia, paid at the conclusion of each four-year parliamentary term. This payment is a long-standing part of the benefits package for Article 71 officeholders, which includes MPs, ministers, the president, and other high-level officials.

For MPs, the ex-gratia amount is calculated as four months’ consolidated salary for every year served. With the average monthly salary of a Ghanaian MP estimated at GH¢29,000, the math becomes straightforward. Four months of salary equals GH¢116,000 per year. Over a four-year parliamentary term, this results in a total ex-gratia payment of GH¢464,000 for each MP.

This lump sum is paid in full at the end of the term, regardless of whether the MP is re-elected or not. The payment has been a source of public debate, especially considering Ghana’s economic challenges and calls for greater accountability and fairness in public spending.

Despite public pressure, ex-gratia remains constitutional, and Parliament has defended it as compensation for the high demands and financial sacrifices of public service.

Source: Constitution of Ghana (Article 71), Parliamentary Service records, and JoyNews