The Director of Communications for NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, has dismissed suggestions that the party is celebrating developments surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta’s residency process in the United States. He indicated that the latest court decision should be viewed within the context of Ofori Atta’s healthcare needs and personal circumstances.
Addressing the issue, Ahiagbah clarified that Ofori Atta has not yet secured permanent residency in the United States. The NPP Communications Director explained that a court had granted an application connected to the adjustment of his immigration status.
Drawing attention to the approval of an I-485 filing, which forms part of the residency process, Ahiagbah stated that the decision creates an opportunity for Ofori Atta to continue pursuing a change in status while remaining focused on his medical treatment.
Further explaining the matter, the NPP Communications Director stressed that the former Finance Minister travelled to the United States primarily to seek healthcare. He noted that the latest legal development eases administrative requirements that could otherwise affect that process.
“If there is anything gratifying about this news, it is to the extent that Ken will not be burdened with the immigration responsibilities he needs to meet to allow him to obtain medical care.”
Richard Ahiagbah
Ahiagbah emphasised that the NPP does not regard the development as a political achievement. Instead, he said the ruling provides room for Ofori Atta to concentrate on treatment without additional immigration pressures.
The NPP Communications Director further explained that the court’s decision merely opens a pathway for the next stage of the residency process. He added that obtaining a Green Card is a separate step that has yet to be completed.
Beyond the legal process, Ahiagbah pointed to the human aspect of the matter. He indicated that peace of mind for Ofori Atta and his immediate family remains the most important outcome of the ruling.
“There is nothing celebratory about it for us, the NPP. For him and his immediate family, they have the peace of mind now to focus on the healthcare that he is there to seek.”
Richard Ahiagbah
Ahiagbah added that the ruling should be understood as a procedural step connected to healthcare and immigration matters. He added that any benefit arising from the decision belongs principally to Ofori Atta and his family.
Party Rejects Calls To Produce Former Minister
Richard Ahiagbah challenged remarks by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga linking the New Patriotic Party to efforts to secure the return of Ken Ofori Atta for legal proceedings. The NPP Communications Director argued that state institutions possess the authority and legal tools required to pursue any case before them.
Responding to the Majority Leader’s comments, Ahiagbah questioned the basis of claims that the NPP bears responsibility for producing Ofori Atta. He stated that membership of a political party does not create a legal obligation for that party to account for an individual facing questions from the state.
The NPP Communications Director stressed that Ofori Atta was appointed to public office through constitutional processes. He added that such appointments do not transfer personal legal responsibilities to political organisations.
Drawing comparisons with previous cases, Ahiagbah referred to former Chief Executive of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre, Sedinam Tamakloe. He noted that legal proceedings involving her continued through established judicial procedures without assigning responsibility to the National Democratic Congress.
“There is no law in this country, there is no convention, there is no practice and there is no norm that suggests that a political party has a burden to produce a member.”
Richard Ahiagbah
Ahiagbah further argued that Ghana’s legal system already provides avenues for prosecution when an accused person resides outside the country. He pointed specifically to constitutional provisions permitting proceedings in absentia under appropriate circumstances.
The NPP Communications Director contended that the existence of such provisions removes any uncertainty surrounding available legal options. Consequently, he questioned why the matter has become the subject of political debate.
Reference was also made to the prosecution of Sedinam Tamakloe after her departure abroad for medical treatment. Ahiagbah observed that court proceedings continued through her legal representatives before a judgement was eventually delivered.
On extradition procedures available under international cooperation frameworks, Ahiagbah stated that authorities can utilise established state channels where circumstances require such action.
The NPP Communications Director therefore rejected attempts to frame the matter as a party issue. He argued that responsibility for investigations, prosecutions and extradition efforts rests with the appropriate institutions of state.
Ahiagbah urged public officials to rely on existing legal mechanisms in addressing matters involving Ofori Atta. He added that the impression that the NPP must produce the former Finance Minister requires correction in order to preserve public understanding of the law and due process.
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