Let's support Ofori-Atta's return to prove NPP is serious about accountability – Dr Razak Kojo Opoku

A leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Razak Kojo Opoku, has called on the party to support the government’s efforts to bring former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta back to Ghana to answer questions over his management of the economy.

He said such a move would help the NPP demonstrate its commitment to accountability and counter perceptions that the party is shielding former government officials.

Mr. Ofori-Atta, who is currently in the United States, and other accused persons are facing corruption and corruption-related charges filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (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.

The OSP had earlier declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person in February 2025 after he failed to indicate a reasonable time for his return to Ghana to assist with investigations.

Dr. Kojo Opoku made the call in a social media post on Tuesday, August 24, while reflecting on the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general elections and the factors he believes contributed to the party’s loss.

“The NPP lost 2024 general elections partially due to incompetence of Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, Governor Addison, and some appointees who were tagged abusing power to hurt Ghanaians,” he said.

He specifically pointed to the economic difficulties experienced during the previous administration, including high inflation and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme, which required domestic bondholders to exchange existing bonds for new instruments.

The programme was introduced in December 2022 as part of measures to restore debt sustainability and macroeconomic stability.

Dr. Kojo Opoku argued that these developments affected the NPP’s relationship with sections of the public, particularly businesses, academics, civil society organisations and the media.

He questioned how the party expected to receive strong electoral support after the economic hardship and controversial policy decisions of the period.

Against this background, Dr. Kojo Opoku said the NPP should not oppose efforts to bring its former Finance Minister back to the country.

“If our party is really serious at this material time, we need to support the current administration to bring Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta down to answer some questions regarding the poor management of the economy from 2021-2024. Ultimately, this will water down the perception that the party is running away from accountability,” he said.

He further criticised the extent of authority given to Ofori-Atta during the previous administration, arguing that decisions taken under his watch had consequences for the NPP’s electoral fortunes.