Hopeson Adorye Threatens to Demonstrate Against Finance Minister Over Payments to Former Staffers

Accra: Hopeson Adorye, Director of Field Operations of the United Party, has vowed to personally lead a demonstration against Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson if the government pays any outstanding monies owed to former presidential staffers who served under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration. According to Ghana Web, Adorye expressed his stance during an interview on Accra 101.5 FM, which was shared on X on September 11, 2026. He urged the Finance Minister to refrain from settling the arrears and entitlements claimed by the former Jubilee House staff, arguing that these officials mismanaged the country's finances during their tenure. He emphasized that the government should focus on recovering any allegedly misappropriated state funds. Adorye stated, "We will not pay any money to any presidential staffer, because many appointees from the previous government still owe Ghana. Until those debts are settled, no payments will be made to the current staffers." He further warned Dr. Forson, "My brother Ato Forson, if you authorize such payments, I will personally lead a demonstration against you. They can only be paid once those who looted public funds have returned the money." The comments from Adorye arise amidst renewed pressure from some former Akufo-Addo appointees. On September 8, 2026, lawyers representing Kow Abaka Essuman, who served as Legal Counsel and later acting Secretary to the President, officially requested Dr. Forson to settle outstanding salary arrears and terminal benefits. Essuman and other former presidential staffers have publicly appealed for the settlement of their entitlements, which were due in January 2025, pointing out that comparable public office holders from previous administrations have already received theirs.