Kow Essuman, former Legal Counsel to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, 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.
In a letter dated September 8, 2026, Essuman’s lawyers said their client has been awaiting payment of his entitlements since leaving office on January 7, 2025, after serving as Legal Counsel to former President Akufo-Addo.
According to the lawyers, Essuman’s 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 of a year served.
They argued that the continued delay in paying the benefits is unjustified, particularly because other former public office holders, including Members of Parliament, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MMDCEs, have received their corresponding entitlements.
The lawyers have therefore formally demanded that the Finance Ministry settle the outstanding amount, together with interest calculated from January 7, 2025, to the date of full payment at the prevailing commercial bank rate.
They are also relying on the Presidential (Transition) Act, which requires outstanding salaries and retiring benefits due to Article 71 office holders to be paid without undue delay.
The lawyers said Essuman has made several representations regarding the unpaid benefits but has yet to receive payment.
They have warned that failure by the government to settle the claim by September 11, 2026, will result in legal proceedings against the State to recover the outstanding amount, interest and legal costs.
However, according to the lawyers, Essuman remains willing to resolve the matter administratively without resorting to the courts.
“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.
