Private legal practitioner and New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, Kwasi Kwarteng has issued a direct call to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, urging the former government official to return to Ghana immediately to subject himself to the nation’s judicial “due process.”

This appeal comes at a time of heightened legal tension, as Ofori-Atta remains at the center of a complex web of allegations involving his conduct during his tenure under the administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Kwarteng noted that the former Minister’s return is not merely a legal necessity but a moral one.

He suggested that by returning to face the charges leveled against him, Ofori-Atta would be helping to bring a much-needed sense of “closure” to the growing legal and public controversy that has dominated national discourse. The lawyer emphasized that for any high-ranking public official, the shadow of accountability is an enduring part of the role, and avoiding it only serves to deepen public suspicion and prolong the legal stalemate.

The urgency of Kwarteng’s plea follows the news of Ken Ofori-Atta’s recent release from detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Ofori-Atta had been held over immigration-related issues, a development that briefly shifted the focus of his legal battles to American soil. However, his release from ICE custody does not signal the end of his troubles. On the contrary, the Government of Ghana is actively pursuing his extradition to ensure he stands trial in Accra.

Despite his release from administrative detention in the U.S., Ofori-Atta’s legal and immigration status remains unresolved. The next steps in his journey are currently dependent on determinations yet to be made by U.S. judicial authorities. This international tug-of-war has created a significant public dimension to the case, with many Ghanaians questioning whether the former minister will eventually be forced to return or if he will continue to contest the extradition through the American court system.

“Presumed Innocent”:The Judicial Shield Against The Tide Of Public Skepticism

KEN OFORI ATTA — Ken Ofori-Atta, Former Finance Minister

Addressing the skepticism surrounding the fairness of the Ghanaian legal system, Kwasi Kwarteng was firm in his defense of the country’s constitutional framework. He argued that beyond the legal technicalities, the matter has taken on a significant public weight, making it imperative for the former minister to personally address the allegations. Kwarteng stressed that Ghana’s Constitution is designed to guarantee fairness and due process for all accused persons, regardless of the intensity of public perception or the nature of the charges.

Kwarteng noted that the principle of the presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of the Ghanaian judiciary. “If it was me, I will avail myself and maybe get closure on this matter,” Kwarteng stated. He reminded the audience and the former minister alike that any accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of jurisdiction. He argued that the court is the only appropriate venue for Ofori-Atta to clear his name and provide a definitive response to the allegations that have clouded his legacy.

The charges against Ofori-Atta are substantial. He is currently grappling with a series of legal challenges in Ghana, including more than 70 criminal charges tied to alleged financial losses to the state. These allegations center on his time as the head of the Finance Ministry, where he oversaw the nation’s economic policies and public purse. The scale of these charges has fueled a narrative of misappropriation that Kwarteng believes must be met with transparency. Kwarteng concluded by reflecting on the inherent responsibilities of public service. He suggested that once an individual accepts the duty to serve the state, they must also accept the duty to account for their actions when called upon. He dismissed the idea that public “attacks” on one’s personality should be a reason to avoid the law, noting that such scrutiny is an expected part of the job. By returning to Ghana and facing the courts, Ofori-Atta would be fulfilling the final, and perhaps most difficult, obligation of his former office: the duty of accountability.