Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s former Legal Counsel, Kow Essuman, has issued a final demand to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to pay his outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits by Friday, September 11, 2026, or risk being sued.

Essuman’s lawyers, in a letter dated September 8, said their client has been waiting for his outstanding entitlements since his tenure ended on January 7, 2025.

They explained that under the terms applicable to his appointment, Essuman is entitled 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.

The lawyers questioned the government’s failure to pay the benefits, noting that other former public office holders, including MPs, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and MMDCEs, have already received their corresponding entitlements.

They have consequently demanded immediate settlement of the outstanding amount, as well as interest calculated from January 7, 2025, until the date of full payment at the prevailing commercial bank rate.

The demand, the lawyers said, is also supported by the Presidential (Transition) Act, which provides for the payment of outstanding salaries and retiring benefits due to Article 71 office holders without undue delay.

According to the legal team, Essuman has made several representations to the relevant authorities over the unpaid benefits but has not received payment.

They have therefore warned that unless the claim is settled by September 11, they have instructions to commence legal action against the State to recover the outstanding principal, accrued interest and legal costs.

Despite the threat of litigation, Essuman is still prepared to resolve the matter administratively, his lawyers said.

“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.