Gov’t exposed over unpaid salary arrears of past officials

A fresh political controversy has emerged over the payment of salary arrears owed to former government officials and presidential staff, following claims that government communications regarding the settlement of outstanding obligations did not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.

The debate centers on remarks by Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, regarding the payment of salaries and allowances owed to former Non-MP Ministers and Deputy Ministers who served under the previous administration.

Critics argue that at the time the minister publicly indicated that payments had been made, many beneficiaries were still awaiting the full settlement of their entitlements.

The minister had claimed that the bloated budgetary allocation to the Office of the President was as a result of the salary increment of the previous staff at the Presidency when in actual fact no payment had been made to them.

According to sources familiar with the matter, while portions of the arrears had been paid earlier, the full payment of salaries and allowances due to Non-MP Ministers and Deputy Ministers was only completed on Friday, June 19, 2026.

This timeline, critics contend, contradicts earlier public assurances that the payments had already been settled, raising concerns about the accuracy of official government communication on the issue.

The development has triggered criticism from opposition figures and affected individuals, who argue that government officials have an obligation to provide accurate information on matters involving public finances and public servants.

They insist that the issue goes beyond a simple administrative misunderstanding and touches directly on public trust and accountability.

Adding to the controversy are claims that the eventual payment of the arrears was not the result of a voluntary government decision but rather came after sustained pressure from sections of the media and public advocacy groups.

According to critics, persistent public scrutiny and media attention forced authorities to address the matter after months of delays.

They argue that without the pressure generated by public discussion, the payments might have remained outstanding.

The salary arrears issue has become one of several lingering disputes following the transition of power after the 2024 general elections.

Questions over unpaid entitlements have periodically surfaced in public discourse, particularly regarding officials who served in various capacities under the previous administration.

While government has now reportedly completed payments to former Non-MP Ministers and Deputy Ministers, attention has shifted to another category of former public servants who are said to remain unpaid.

Particularly contentious are allegations that former presidential staff have yet to receive any portion of the benefits and entitlements owed to them.

Critics claim that despite the settlement of payments to some former officials, many individuals who worked directly at the Presidency continue to wait for compensation nearly nineteen months after the current administration assumed office.

According to those raising concerns, not a single payment has reportedly been made to some affected former presidential staff members.

The situation has fueled accusations of unequal treatment and selective prioritization in the settlement of outstanding government obligations.

Opposition voices argue that while current government employees continue to receive salaries and benefits under the approved public service framework, some former officials remain excluded from payments that they maintain are lawfully due to them.

Nana Prekoh Eric

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