Akufo-Addo’s former legal counsel gives Finance Minister Sept. 11 deadline to pay ex-gratia

Former legal counsel to former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Kow Abaka Essuman, has until September 11, 2026, to receive his final salary and benefits from the Finance Ministry, or face legal consequences. In a letter to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson on September 8, Essuman's lawyers declared that their client has been waiting for payment of benefits that became due after his tenure ended on January 7, 2025.

Essuman held the positions of Legal Counsel to then-President Akufo-Addo since January 2021 and was also appointed Acting Secretary to the President in October 2024. His appointment entailed various terminal benefits, including consolidated salary for each year of service and installation and resettlement grants. The lawyers cited Section 2(c) of the Presidential (Transition) Act 2012 (Act 845), which obligates the Transition Team to ensure timely payment of salaries, allowances, and retiring benefits owed to public office holders.

They argued that while several former public officials have received their owed benefits, Essuman and other former Presidential Staff have yet to receive theirs. Essuman's legal team stated that he has made multiple attempts to resolve the issue but has received no satisfactory response. They demand the payment of the outstanding principal amount, accrued interest from January 7, 2025, and associated legal costs.

The lawyers have warned that if the Ministry fails to pay by the deadline, their client will initiate legal proceedings against the State to recover the owed sums.