The Managing Editor of the Al Hajj newspaper, Alhaji Iddrisu Bature, strongly disagrees with President J.E.A. Mills on the recommendation that former presidents should be paid rent allowance to cater for their accommodation, instead of the purchase of a house for them when they leave office. Alhaji Bature argued that considering the tax exemptions and other privileges ex-presidents enjoy, they should retire on their salaries and build their own houses. President Mills has recommended to the Professor Ewurama Addy Committee set up to review the emoluments of Article 71 office holders to consider using 20 percent of the salaries of former presidents as rent allowance instead of building them mansions. But his suggestion has triggered massive public discourse nationwide. Whiles some described the president’s position as a sign of a patriotic leader, others accused him (Mills) of engaging in cheap populism. However, on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen programme Tuesday, Alhaji Bature opined that there are more bread and butter issue confronting Ghanaians which needs the immediate attention of government hence the need to scrap both building of houses or paying rent allowances to former presidents. According to him, the prestige for holding that high office bestowed on them by the Ghanaians electorates should be appreciated by the former presidents instead of craving for plush mansions after exiting office. “Our presidents don’t need a house or rent allowance. Looking at the salaries they take, non-payment of taxes and other privileges they enjoy, they should retire on their salaries” he added. Alhaji Bature suggested that instead of a mansion or rent allowance, the state should rather honour former presidents with either a museum or a library to showcase their contribution to the country’s development for future leaders to emulate. He urged former Presidents John Rawlings and John Kufuor to be true statesmen and support the better Ghana Agenda by the Mills administration to move the country forward. “Do you know the number of Ghanaians who are willing to become president without pay? It's an honour to be elected president; you cannot put any figure on that prestige”. The NDC apologist however, commended President Mills for taking such bold and modest decision in the interest of Ghanaians. Alhaji Bature called on the Ewurama Addy Committee to scrap building the h