Prosecute Ofori-Atta in absentia if you have evidence — Ahiagbah tells OSP

The National Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to prosecute former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in absentia if it has sufficient evidence against him.

Mr. Ofori-Atta and other accused persons are facing corruption and corruption-related charges filed by the OSP relating to certain activities during his tenure as the country's Finance Minister.

The Office of the Attorney General has already submitted an extradition request to the United States Department of Justice as part of steps to bring the former minister back to face trial.

In a social media post on Wednesday, June 17, Mr. Ahiagbah rejected suggestions that the NPP bears responsibility for ensuring Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return.

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

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

Ahiagbah further stressed that legal processes already exist to pursue cases involving accused persons who are not physically present in the country.

He cited the prosecution of former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe in absentia as an example the OSP could rely on.