Private legal practitioner and New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Kwasi Kwarteng, has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and submit himself to due process.
According to him, such a move would help bring “closure” to the growing legal and public debate surrounding the former minister’s case.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr. Kwarteng noted that the matter has extended beyond the courtroom into the public domain, making it important for Ofori-Atta to personally respond to the allegations through the legal system.
“If it was me, I will avail myself and maybe get closure on this matter. Generally, the constitution is very clear that any accused person will be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of jurisdiction,” he said.
He emphasised that Ghana’s constitutional framework guarantees fairness and due process, stressing that every accused person is entitled to just treatment regardless of public opinion.
Mr. Kwarteng further pointed out that holding public office comes with lasting scrutiny and responsibility, adding that individuals must be prepared to account for their stewardship—especially in cases involving alleged financial losses to the state.
“The fact that there are attacks surrounding your personality for your actions and inactions while you were in public office does not necessarily mean that automatically when you get to Ghana, you will be treated as such.
“At this level, it has more to do with an individual. The PR about how the former government has stolen and misappropriated the public purse has always been there so as soon as you accept the duty to serve in the capacity of a public officer, you will have to, when the time becomes due, avail yourself for questioning and accountability,” he added.
His remarks come after Ofori-Atta’s recent release from the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, at a time when the Government of Ghana is pursuing his extradition.
Ofori-Atta, who served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is currently facing a series of legal challenges in Ghana, including more than 70 criminal charges linked to alleged financial losses to the state.
The Government of Ghana has initiated formal extradition proceedings in the United States to secure his return for prosecution.
Although he has been released from ICE custody, his legal and immigration matters remain unresolved, with the next steps dependent on decisions by U.S. judicial authorities.
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