The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of politicising the legal situation involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, arguing that efforts to prosecute him are being framed in a way that links the matter to the NPP rather than treating it as an individual case.
His comments come amid ongoing public debate over attempts by Ghanaian authorities to extradite the former Finance Minister to face corruption-related charges, alongside reports of his acquisition of a US Green Card following earlier immigration developments. The issue has also been discussed in relation to the extradition and conviction of former MASLOC Chief Executive, Sedina Attionu-Tamakloe.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, June 20, Mr Ahiagbah argued that the state already has legal tools to proceed with prosecution, including the option of trial in absentia under Article 19 of the Constitution.
He said existing procedures such as service through lawyers, known addresses, newspaper publication and court notices can be used to move the case forward, insisting that the inability to serve the accused directly should not prevent prosecution.
Mr Ahiagbah further referenced Ghana’s extradition frameworks with the United States, arguing that past cases demonstrate that such mechanisms can be activated where necessary.
He contended that the obstacles being cited in pursuing the case are political in nature and are being used to link the NPP to Ken Ofori-Atta, rather than treating the matter as the legal responsibility of an individual.
He maintained that Ofori-Atta remains a private citizen and urged that, if there is a case against him, the state should proceed with prosecution using available legal avenues rather than framing the issue in partisan terms.
“And so every other thing which is preventing the state from doing it is purely political, designed to link the NPP to Ken Ofori-Atta and make it an NPP problem, rather than the Ken problem. Ken is an individual citizen, he’s a private citizen, and so therefore they need to pursue him; they should pursue him.”
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