Former Dean of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, has defended the GH₵35,000 salary allocated to MMDCEs following reports of an increment, saying there is no need for public envy.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, he clarified that the amount is not the actual take-home pay.
“Not all of that goes to you. After taxes and other deductions, you may end up with just about GH₵20,000,” he noted.
Mr. Amponsah highlighted the daily pressures MMDCEs face, especially from constituents who visit their offices with numerous requests.
Reflecting on his tenure in the Eastern Region, he revealed the challenges he encountered regarding illegal mining activities.
“People even came to my office to bribe me so they could engage in galamsey,” he admitted.
He said he consistently refused such offers because he prioritised the country’s welfare and environmental protection.
“I had Ghana at heart. I didn’t want our forests destroyed. There were mineral deposits in my district, but I never allowed illegal mining, and security ensured those areas were protected,” he said.
His firm stance, he added, sometimes put him at odds with traditional authorities.
“Some chiefs were unhappy with me when I was leaving office because I didn’t permit illegal mining,” he stated.
Mr. Amponsah argued that the GH₵35,000 salary is justified given the weight of responsibilities and pressures that come with the role.
“If I wanted money, I could have allowed illegal mining and taken payments, but I chose the country over personal gain,” he stressed.
He also spoke about the struggles former MMDCEs face after leaving office.
“Even as a former MMDCE, finding a job can be difficult. So imagine what someone without support goes through. Many rely on that GH₵35,000 salary to take care of themselves,” he added.
His comments come amid reports that the government has increased MMDCE salaries to GH₵35,000.
