A law firm representing Mr. Kow Abaka Essuman, former Legal Counsel to the President, has formally petitioned the Ministry of Finance to settle outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits due him after completing his tenure at Jubilee House.
In a letter dated September 8 and copied to senior officials at the Presidency and the Attorney‑General, VINT & ALETHEIA Attorneys & Consultants argued that Mr. Essuman’s entitlements under Article 71 of the Constitution and the Presidential (Transition) Act, 2012 (Act 845) remain unpaid nearly 20 months after the Transition Team concluded its work.
The firm noted that while other Article 71 officeholders — including Members of Parliament, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and members of the Council of State — have received their arrears and benefits, Mr. Essuman and other former Presidential Staffers have been left out.
“Withholding our client’s entitlements is arbitrary, discriminatory, unfair, and unlawful,” the letter stated, demanding immediate payment of the full outstanding amount with interest from January 7, 2025 at the prevailing commercial bank rate.
The demand outlines benefits due, including four months’ consolidated salary for each year of service, installation and resettlement grants, and arrears accrued during his tenure from January 2021 to January 2025. The firm has given the Ministry until Friday, September 11, 2026, to comply, warning that failure to do so will trigger legal proceedings against the State to recover the principal, interest, and costs.
The correspondence, signed by Erasmus Papa Akotey‑Quartey, Esq., underscores growing tensions over the treatment of former Presidential Staffers and raises questions about consistency in the application of constitutional entitlements.
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