A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Executive Director of the Institute for Energy Policies and Research, Kwadwo Poku, has appealed to Ghanaians to end the public condemnation of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, describing claims of evasion as unfair.
Speaking on the AM Show on January 8, Mr Poku said the continuous public criticism and commentary about Ofori-Atta’s stay in the United States makes it appear as though he is on holiday or deliberately running away from accountability, a situation he says is deeply troubling.
He noted that such commentary often extends beyond the individual to include references to his family members, something he described as unfortunate and unwarranted.
“The man has not committed any crime,”Mr Fosu stressed, adding that it is wrong to present Mr Ofori-Atta as someone who has broken the law and is fleeing the country. He said the manner in which some individuals speak about him is disheartening and does not reflect well on Ghana’s public discourse.
Touching on issues surrounding the controversial National Cathedral project, Mr Poku pointed out that the Attorney-General has already stated that there was nothing unlawful about the funding arrangements at the time the Ministry of Finance released monies for the project.
He argued that continuing to frame the issue as criminal, despite official clarification, only fuels misinformation.
He further urged Ghanaians to broaden the national conversation, warning that excessive focus on Mr Ofori-Atta gives the impression that the country has nothing else of substance to discuss.
“It looks like the only thing we want to talk about is Ken Ofori-Atta,” he remarked.
On Mr Ofori-Atta’s stay in the United States, he explained that all available indications suggest the former minister is unwell and receiving medical attention.
He noted that if Mr Ofori-Atta were fit and healthy, questions about his absence might be justified; however, current evidence clearly points to health-related reasons.
He also addressed reports concerning U.S. immigration matters, explaining that issues relating to visas and immigration will follow due process.
He dismissed suggestions that Mr Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana would automatically lead to imprisonment, stressing that he has not been convicted of any crime.
“He has not killed anyone, he has not dealt in drugs, and he has not done anything that warrants the loss of his freedom,” he said.
According to him, even if Mr Ofori-Atta returns to Ghana to face legal processes, he is likely to be granted bail and return home, as the matters involved are allegations yet to be tested in court.
He further explained that appearing before investigators or in court does not compel an individual to speak, as the right to remain silent is protected by law.
He therefore called for restraint, fairness, and respect for due process in discussions surrounding the former finance minister.
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