Akufo-Addo’s Former Lawyer Threatens to Sue Mahama Government Over Unpaid Benefits

Former legal counsel to ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kow Essuman, has indicated plans to take legal action against the government over unpaid salary arrears and end-of-service benefits.

The proposed lawsuit follows what Essuman says has been a lack of response from the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of Finance after he formally demanded payment of his outstanding entitlements.

Essuman disclosed in an interview with JoyNews’ Gemma Appiah that he had written to the Attorney-General regarding the unpaid benefits, with the Finance Ministry copied in the correspondence. However, he said neither institution had responded to his communication.

His legal representatives, Vint & Aletheia, had previously written to Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, requesting that the outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits be settled by Friday, September 11, 2026, warning that failure to do so would result in legal proceedings.

According to the lawyers, Essuman’s entitlements include four months’ consolidated salary for every completed year of service, an installation grant equivalent to one month’s salary and a resettlement grant amounting to one month’s salary for each year or fraction of a year served.

The legal team argued that withholding the payments was unjustified, particularly as other individuals who had occupied public positions had reportedly received their terminal benefits.

Essuman expressed concern over having to repeatedly pursue payments he considers legitimate entitlements.

He also questioned the failure of the Finance Ministry and the Attorney-General’s Office to address his demands, describing the situation as unfair and disappointing.

He further stressed that his previous responsibilities in government, including serving as legal counsel to the President and later as Acting Secretary to the President, made the situation particularly concerning.

Essuman disclosed that his lawyers had completed preparations for the lawsuit, including the writ and statement of claim.

However, the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) strike has delayed the filing of the case.

He maintained that he was prepared to proceed with the legal action once the courts resumed normal operations, although he remained hopeful that the matter could be resolved without litigation.

Essuman said he intended to pursue the contractual claims if the government failed to settle the outstanding payments.

Source: https://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Akufo-Addo-s-former-legal-counsel-threatens-court-action-over-unpaid-salary-arrears-benefits-2060844

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