It's incompetent to claim NPP is responsible for bringing back Ofori-Atta — Ahiagbah

The National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has dismissed suggestions that the party is responsible for ensuring the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to face prosecution.

Mr. Ofori-Atta and some other accused persons are facing corruption and corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The debate over his possible extradition has intensified following the extradition of former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe and reports that the former Finance Minister has been granted permanent residency status in the United States.

The Attorney General has submitted a formal extradition request to the United States Department of Justice as efforts continue to bring Mr. Ofori-Atta before the courts.

Commenting on the matter in a social media post on Wednesday, June 17, Ahiagbah argued that it is misplaced to expect the NPP to facilitate the former minister's return.

"The impression that the NPP is responsible for producing Ken Ofori-Atta is, in my view, incompetent," he stated.

The NPP spokesperson stressed that the responsibility of proving any alleged wrongdoing lies with the prosecuting authorities and not the political party.

According to him, the Office of the Special Prosecutor should focus on presenting its evidence before the courts if it believes a crime has been committed.

"If the Special Prosecutor has evidence, let him prosecute Ken. If there is a crime, prove it in court," Mr. Ahiagbah said.

He further contended that the OSP has legal avenues available to pursue the case even in the absence of the former minister, citing the prosecution of Sedina Tamakloe as an example.

Mr. Ahiagbah also accused critics of using unproven allegations to damage the reputation of th e NPP and its members.