The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alban Bagbin, has criticised the approved retirement package for former presidents. He says the new package of emoluments for ex-presidents recommended by the Chinnery Hesse Committee is outrageous, excessive and was approved by Parliament in his absence. According to him, the country’s economy cannot support such “extravagant largesse for our former presidents”. The committee recommended that a former president should be given fully furnished residences that befit a former president at a place of his choice - one in Accra and another out of the national capital. In addition, the former president would be entitled among other privileges, to six fully maintained, comprehensively insured, fueled and chauffeured-driven cars to be replaced every four years. The fleet comprise of three salon cars, two cross country cars and one all-purpose vehicle. But Mr Bagbin told Joy FM, building two houses for a former president in addition to six vehicles among other benefits is simply too extravagant. “I think that they extended too much of provisions from the other office holders to the presidency because in the case of the presidency the provisions are very extensive in the Constitution and they decided to add other things to that of the presidency.” He stressed the need for the leadership of the House to sit down and discuss the issues. Meanwhile Mr Bagbin’s Deputy, Mr. John Tiah earlier justified the package on Joy FM. The spokesperson of government’s transition team, Ms Hannah Tetteh, also said the government shares the public’s concerns that package is too extravagant. She however says the government has no intention to immediately review the provisions contained in the report. Ms. Tetteh told Joy News’ Steven Anti that since the committee was put in place by the Kufuor administration, it would be politically unwise to hurriedly review its recommendations. Under the new package, a former president will receive a non-taxable ex-gratia award equivalent to 12 months consolidated salary for each full year of service but where the president serves a second consecutive term, an additional non-taxable resettlement grant of six months consolidated salary for each full year of service would be paid together with non-taxable ex-gratia of 12 months consolidated salary for each year in office. A former president and spouse will also be entitled to one overseas travel once a year with a maximum duration of 45 days, extended to to 65 days if he had served two consecutive terms. The former first couple, in addition to their privileges will travel on diplomatic passports and courtesies accompanied by three professional and personal assistants and adequate security. The ex-president will have a 24-hour security services, entertainment package for his leisure among others at the expense of the state. Story by Malik Abass Daabu