Professor of International Law at the University of Ghana, Kwadwo Appiagyei Atua, has argued that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) should not bear sole responsibility for the challenges surrounding Ghana’s efforts to secure the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. His comments follow a decision by a United States court that raised questions about aspects of the evidence presented in Ghana’s pursuit of Mr Ofori-Atta, while the OSP maintains that the former minister remains a fugitive from justice. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Prof Atua said the responsibility for the situation should extend beyond the OSP to include other state institutions involved in criminal investigations and enforcement.
“The OSP is being overly held responsible for the so-called fleeing of Mr Ofori-Atta. I think that there are other agencies involved who could have been held or should be responsible as well,” he said. He mentioned the Attorney-General’s Office and Ghana’s security agencies as among the institutions that should also be considered when assessing how the matter has developed.
“We are talking about the Attorney-General’s Office, we are talking about the security agencies and so on,” Prof Atua stated. Prof Atua also challenged the characterisation of Mr Ofori-Atta’s departure from Ghana, arguing that he did not leave the country unlawfully because he had received permission to travel for medical reasons. He explained that while the former minister stayed beyond the period initially granted, there was evidence that he required further medical attention, including surgery.
“He didn’t really flee because he got permission to go and seek medical attention. He overstayed his permission or the timeframe given him, but we also know that there is evidence that he had to undergo further healthcare, including surgery and so on,” he said. According to Prof Atua, the medical circumstances provided a reason for Mr Ofori-Atta’s extended stay in the United States, although he acknowledged that questions remain over what is currently preventing his return to Ghana.
“As of now, I don’t know what else is keeping him there, but the bottom line is that now he has applied for immigration status and has got his green card,” he said. Prof Atua also commented on the action taken by the US immigration judge, arguing that the judge may have gone beyond the scope … Samuel Atta Akyea, lead counsel for the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called for restraint in the ongoing legal efforts to bring former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta back to Ghana.
He argued that Mr Ofori-Atta should be given the opportunity to return voluntarily. Mr Atta Akyea’s comments come after a United States court questioned aspects of the evidence presented in Ghana’s pursuit of the former minister, while Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) maintains that the former minister remains a fugitive from justice. Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, July 25, Mr Atta Akyea said issues surrounding extradition require careful consideration and urged authorities to allow the former minister time to make his own decision about returning to Ghana.
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