For the past year, former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has dominated headlines, daily, if not weekly, especially in recent months.
Being in the news is not inherently bad, but surely, one would hope it is for the right reasons. Or not?
Who wishes to be humiliated, embarrassed, dragged into endless legal battles, and subjected to public scrutiny? No one, certainly not I.
When you consider the stature of Mr Ofori-Atta, the current headlines around him are entirely unbecoming. They do little justice to the image of a statesman, a man who served over 30 million Ghanaians as minister for eight years. Decades of painstaking work to build a reputation now hang by a fragile thread.
On Tuesday, 20th January, Ken Ofori-Atta appeared before a United States court following actions taken by US immigration authorities regarding his legal status in the country.
I had hoped the matter would be resolved swiftly, that a verdict would be delivered the same day to draw a line under this ignominious saga. After all, one would ask: how could a man of his stature find himself with an irregular visa in the US? Surely, money would not be an obstacle.
Yet, after a brief court proceeding, the case was adjourned to 27th April 2026. Mr Ofori-Atta is back in detention, where he will endure another 97 days under restricted freedom.
I had never imagined seeing such a man face these challenges. He has left his home, one of the finest in the world, I dare say, his beautiful wife, and his adored children to spend nights on what amounts to a “student’s mattress,” forsaking the comfort of his king-size bed and all the luxuries that accompany it.
And it does not end there. Back home in Ghana, the very people he served await his return to confront yet another legal battle, this time over allegations of corruption. Both countries are now pressing the case against him. The situation could hardly be more precarious.
Why should this serve as a warning to other politicians?
Let me spare you a lengthy essay. The reality of Mr Ofori-Atta’s predicament is visible to all. If you were in his shoes, how would you feel? Embarrassment is perhaps the mildest word to describe it.
So, to anyone entrusted with public duty: act with integrity. Ensure that your hands are clean, for otherwise, such a scandalous spectacle could one day be yours.
To current political leaders and public officials, let Ken Ofori-Atta’s ordeal serve as a deterrent. Let it instil a fear of corruption and motivate the pursuit of the public good.
To the ruling NDC camp
You are aware of the ongoing proceedings. Your government is working swiftly on extradition papers to bring him home and ensure justice is served.
Take heed, if you wish to avoid similar scrutiny when you eventually enter opposition, now is the time to act correctly. Imagine holding office without a single corruption case against you or your government, a legacy of honour.
Ken Ofori-Atta’s case must serve as a cautionary tale. Let public officials prioritise the welfare of the people, the widow, the homeless child, and the ordinary Ghanaian. For when we do good, the goodness and mercy of the Lord will follow us.
I leave you with Akwasi Ampofo Agyei’s song: “If you do good, you do for yourself.”
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