The recommendations agreed upon by the Chinery-Hesse Commission and approved by Parliament offers the former president a package that includes two houses; 18 months' salary for each year that he served as ex-gratia; and six chauffer driven cars including an all purpose one. In addition, these cars are to be fuelled and paid for by the state and these cars must be replaced each four years.

The former President would also get three professional and Personal Assistants, adequate security, non-taxable ex-gratia awards, pension benefits, entertainment at the expense of the state and one million dollar seed money for the establishment of a foundation.

The package has sparked a controversial debate in the public domain with many people agreeing that while it is proper to reward ex-presidents, it must be done with consideration of the prevailing economic situation of the country. Some people are in complete agreement with the package because they feel that former President J.A Kufuor served the country well during his two terms of office and should be rewarded well to serve as an example for future presidents. However majority of the people think that the package is a bit too extravagant and needs reviewing.

The current government says it would be impossible to give the former president the recommended ex-gratia package looking at the prevailing economy. It is therefore working on an acceptable package that would be within the means of the Ghanaian economy. Meanwhile, the debate continue; 'what would be the best package for a former president?'