Former Presidential Legal Adviser Kow Essuman has criticised the Mahama administration over what he describes as the selective payment of salaries and allowances under the current Article 71 remuneration framework.
Mr Essuman alleges that while members of the current administration are benefiting from the salary structure approved by Parliament in January 2025, former officials and staff who served under ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo have yet to receive arrears to which they are entitled under the same arrangement.
According to him, the situation raises questions about fairness, accountability and the management of public resources.
Claims of Unequal Treatment
Mr Essuman argued that several beneficiaries under the Article 71 compensation structure, including members of Parliament and the current Finance Minister, have already received their arrears and related allowances.
However, he claimed that former executive officials from the previous administration continue to await payment.
“The approval of 6 January 2025 has resulted in President Mahama’s government paying itself under that very structure, while simultaneously refusing and neglecting to pay the arrears lawfully due to the officials and staff who served under President Akufo-Addo,” he stated.
Allegations of Political Discrimination
The former legal adviser maintained that the issue goes beyond administrative delays and reflects what he believes is a conscious decision by the government.
“I do not consider this an administrative oversight. It is a deliberate, politically motivated, and discriminatory distribution of public funds, and it is nothing short of an abuse of office,” he said.
Mr Essuman’s comments add to the ongoing public debate surrounding the implementation of Article 71 remuneration arrangements and the payment of salaries, allowances and arrears to current and former public office holders.
The government has not publicly responded to the specific allegations at the time of reporting.
