NPP, Akufo-Addo should encourage Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana to face the law — Edem Senanu urges
Anti-corruption campaigner and Co-Chair of the Citizens Movement Against Corruption, Edem Senanu, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to play a more proactive role in encouraging former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and cooperate with ongoing investigations into his tenure in office.
Speaking on The Big Issue on Channel One TV on Saturday, June 20, Mr. Senanu argued that the NPP and its leadership have a responsibility to demonstrate their commitment to accountability by publicly urging the former minister to respond to concerns that have arisen over his stewardship of the country's finances.
“They should be seen to actively convince him to come back,” he stated.
Mr. Senanu maintained that the party cannot distance itself from the matter, having selected and entrusted Mr. Ofori-Atta with the management of Ghana’s economy after what he described as a thorough vetting process.
According to him, Ghanaians would expect the NPP to lead efforts aimed at ensuring that its former appointee addresses questions relating to decisions taken during his time as Finance Minister.
“Honestly, for the rest of us citizens of this country, we will not understand that the party is saying that they selected this individual, they did the due diligence, they put him in charge of our finances and when there are questions to answer they are not compelling him, convincing him, they are not at the forefront to say he should come back,” he said.
He stressed that political accountability extends beyond appointing public officials and includes ensuring that those entrusted with public office account for their actions when concerns are raised.
Mr. Senanu's comments come amid ongoing legal and political developments involving Mr. Ofori-Atta, who recently received approval from a United States immigration court for an adjustment of status application, paving the way for him to obtain lawful permanent residency in the US.
The former Finance Minister is currently the subject of investigations in Ghana over allegations of financial impropriety linked to decisions and contracts executed during his period in office.
Although the US immigration decision does not affect any legal proceedings or investigations in Ghana, it has intensified public debate over accountability, political responsibility and the mechanisms available to facilitate the return of individuals wanted for questioning by state authorities.