Former Legal Counsel to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo‑Addo, Kow Essuman, has given Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson until Friday, September 11, 2026, to pay his outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits or face legal action.
Essuman’s lawyers, in a letter dated September 8, said the former counsel has been waiting for his entitlements since leaving office on January 7, 2025, after serving as Legal Counsel to the former president.
The lawyers noted that his appointment entitled him to four months’ consolidated salary for every completed year or part thereof, an installation grant equivalent to one month’s salary, and a resettlement grant of one month’s salary for each year or fraction served.
They argued the continued delay is unjustified, especially as other former public office holders – MPs, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MMDCEs – have received their corresponding benefits.
Consequently, the lawyers formally demanded that the Finance Ministry settle the outstanding amount and pay interest calculated from January 7, 2025, to the date of full payment at the prevailing commercial bank rate.
The lawyers also relied on the Presidential (Transition) Act, which requires outstanding salaries and retiring benefits due to Article 71 office holders to be paid without undue delay.
Essuman has made several representations over the unpaid benefits but has yet to receive payment.
The lawyers warned that if the government fails to settle the claim by September 11, they have instructions to sue the State to recover the outstanding amount, interest and legal costs.
Essuman, however, remains willing to resolve the matter administratively without going to court, according to his lawyers.
“Furthermore, we demand that the outstanding amount and interest be paid in full on or before Friday, 11th September 2026. Our Client remains willing to resolve this matter without recourse to litigation. However, if the outstanding entitlement is not paid by Friday, September 11 2026, we have our Client’s firm instructions to commence proceedings against the State to recover the outstanding principal amount, interest, and costs, without further recourse to the Ministry,” the lawyers said.
