The Paramount Chief and the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV has returned GHS365,392.67 paid to him as ex-gratia by the state for serving on the Council of State between 2017 and 2020.
The businessman in statement said he does not think it is appropriate to be paid ex-gratia since he was paid monthly for serving on the council of state.
In a statement Togbui Afede said he is against the payment of ex-gratia and has been looking for ways to return the money when he was notified that it had been paid to him.
An ex gratia payment is an amount of money that you would receive by your employer as a termination payment when you have left your employment. Such a payment is over and above what you are entitled to be paid under your contract of employment, so for example, it would not include your notice or holiday pay.
In Ghana however, this money is payment for gratuity at the end of period of service of article 71 office holders. The payment is abhorred by majority of Ghanaians.