Kow Essuman, former Legal Adviser to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has publicly criticized Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. Essuman stated that the government has failed to pay outstanding arrears and entitlements owed to staff who served under the previous presidential administration. These payments, according to Essuman, became due in January 2025.
Essuman expressed his strong disapproval in a Facebook post on Thursday, July 23. He highlighted that it is unreasonable for the Finance Minister to have presented four budgets, including two mid-year budget reviews, without settling these overdue payments. He noted that current staff of the Presidency have received their payments, while those who served the Akufo-Addo administration are still waiting for their benefits.
This situation underscores a recurring challenge in Ghana's public finance management during government transitions. The timely payment of entitlements to former public servants is crucial for maintaining trust in state institutions and ensuring smooth administrative handovers. Delays in such payments can lead to dissatisfaction and questions about fiscal responsibility.
“Mr Finance Minister, Hon. Ato Forson, reading FOUR budgets including two mid-year reviews without paying the staff of the Presidency, who served the last administration their arrears and entitlements which fell due in January 2025, and yet paying the current staff of the Presidency, is utterly UNREASONABLE,” Essuman wrote. He urged the government to honor its outstanding obligations promptly. Essuman emphasized that former public servants who have duly served the state should receive their owed arrears and entitlements without further delay.
The implications of these unpaid arrears extend beyond the individuals directly affected. Such delays can impact the morale of public sector workers and create uncertainty regarding future employment benefits. It also raises questions about the government's commitment to its financial obligations, especially when new budgets are being presented. Observers will be watching to see how the Ministry of Finance addresses these criticisms and whether the outstanding payments are settled in the near future. This situation could influence public perception of the current administration's fiscal discipline and its treatment of former government employees.
The issue of unpaid arrears for former government staff is not new in Ghana's political landscape. Previous administrations have also faced similar challenges, often attributed to budgetary constraints or administrative bottlenecks. However, Essuman's direct criticism of the Finance Minister brings this specific instance into sharp focus. The government's response will be key in demonstrating its commitment to financial accountability and the welfare of all public servants, past and present. This matter could also become a point of discussion in upcoming political debates, especially as the country approaches future elections.