The National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to subject himself to public scrutiny, warning that avoiding accountability could tarnish his legacy.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily, Vanderpuye emphasised that public officials have a responsibility to remain transparent and answerable to the citizens they serve.
“It is in his own interest, the interest of the party, and the family he belongs to, to subject himself to accountability,” he said. “You were entrusted with a position by the people of Ghana, and as such, you must be accountable to them.”
He criticised what he described as a growing culture among some politicians to sidestep scrutiny, insisting that allegations of misconduct must be addressed directly rather than ignored.
“If the people have identified infractions in how you discharged your duties, it is only proper to come forward and answer to them. I detest situations where politicians assume they owe no explanation. We were entrusted with positions and assets, and we must be ready to account for them,” Vanderpuye added.
He further warned of the long-term consequences of failing to be accountable.
“It is in his interest to come forward, because if he doesn’t and continues to stay away from accountability, it will follow him, his children, and generations,” he said.
Vanderpuye’s remarks follow Ofori-Atta’s recent release by U.S. immigration authorities. Despite his release, the former minister remains embroiled in multiple legal battles in Ghana, facing more than 70 criminal charges linked to ongoing corruption investigations.
Among the allegations is a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited, which reportedly caused a financial loss exceeding GH₵1.4 billion to the state. In February 2026, the Government of Ghana submitted an extradition request to the United States, which has since been acknowledged by authorities.
Ofori-Atta, who served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo from 2017 to early 2024, is also under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, led by Kissi Agyebeng. The anti-graft body initiated steps in June 2025 to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after the former minister reportedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning. The notice was later withdrawn.
He is currently seeking permanent residency in the United States as legal and diplomatic processes surrounding his case continue.
