Hon. Sheila Bartels, the Member of Parliament for the Ablekuma North Constituency, has come under fire from constituents and social media followers after posting controversial remarks regarding political emoluments.
Her comments targeted the incoming appointees of former President John Dramani Mahama, urging them to reject all benefits apart from their salaries.
Bartels’ statement was in response to an announcement by the Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Ablakwa revealed that the committee members had pledged to work without receiving salaries, allowances, or other financial benefits.
“The ORAL Team held its first meeting at 2 pm today and resolved to work gratis. None of our activities will come at a cost to the taxpayer. We continue to count on your support; let’s do this for God and Country,” Ablakwa posted on Facebook.
The ORAL initiative aims to recover the proceeds of corruption and hold those involved accountable when Mahama assumes office.
The preparatory team comprises notable figures, including Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Chairman, former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo, retired Commissioner of Police Nathaniel Kofi Boakye, legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, and investigative journalist Raymond Archer.
In her social media post, Bartels commended the ORAL team’s decision and called for a broader reform.
“I’m impressed! Let’s lead Ghana without expecting allowances, fuel, cars, or other perks. Let’s cancel everything from the Presidency, Executive, Parliament, and Judiciary except salaries. Ghanaians deserve that freedom. For God and Country, it will work! I support you 100%.”
However, her remarks drew sharp criticism, with many accusing her of hypocrisy. Critics highlighted her own history of benefiting from allowances and other perks as an MP.
Social media user, Gabby Da Mayor wrote, “Can you start by returning all your allowances, cars, fuel, and other benefits to the state? That would be exemplary leadership, wouldn’t it?”
Bartels responded by denying she had received any cars or fuel and explained that her sitting allowances were used to support constituency activities.
“I’m advocating we remove everything because the perception of getting so much money is a big albatross around MPs’ necks. If these benefits are removed, who will gather at your gate for school fees, hospital bills, or other support?”
Other constituents were less forgiving. Comments ranged from accusations of sarcasm and insincerity to outright dismissals of her credibility.
One user, Nene Newman Ignatius Tetteh, called her a “failed MP,” while another, Victor Akanbonga, stated, “You benefited a lot from this, and now that you’re leaving Parliament, you’re advocating for cancellation.”
Sheila Bartels’ post has sparked a heated debate about the role of allowances and perks in public service, with many questioning whether genuine reform is possible without current beneficiaries setting the example.
