Kow Essuman, who previously served as Legal Counsel to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has issued a demand to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to settle his unpaid salary arrears and terminal benefits by Friday, September 11, 2026, or face legal proceedings.
In a letter dated September 8, his legal representatives stated that Essuman has been awaiting his entitlements since he departed from office on January 7, 2025, after his tenure as Legal Counsel to former President Akufo-Addo.
The letter outlines that his appointment entitles him to four months of consolidated salary for each completed year or any 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.
The legal team contends that the ongoing delay is unwarranted, especially since other former public officials, including Members of Parliament, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and MMDCEs, have received their respective benefits.
Consequently, they have formally requested that the Finance Ministry address the outstanding payment and include interest calculated from January 7, 2025, until the full payment is made, based on the prevailing commercial bank rate.
The lawyers are also invoking the Presidential (Transition) Act, which mandates that outstanding salaries and retirement benefits owed to Article 71 office holders be paid promptly.
They assert that Essuman has made multiple requests regarding the unpaid benefits but has not yet received any payment.
The legal representatives have cautioned that should the government fail to fulfill the claim by September 11, they are prepared to initiate legal action against the State to recover the outstanding amount, interest, and legal fees.
Nevertheless, Essuman is open to resolving the issue amicably without resorting to court, as indicated by his lawyers.
“Additionally, we insist that the outstanding amount and interest be fully paid by Friday, September 11, 2026. Our Client is still willing to settle this matter without litigation.”
The lawyers stated, “If the outstanding entitlement is not settled by Friday, September 11, 2026, we have received firm instructions from our Client to initiate legal proceedings against the State to recover the unpaid principal amount, interest, and costs, without any further recourse to the Ministry.”
