In a recent broadcast on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), addressed the ongoing situation surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, who is currently detained in the United States. Kodua urged the authorities to take appropriate legal action against Ofori-Atta if credible evidence of wrongdoing exists, rather than relying on public discourse to drive the narrative.
Kodua criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for politicizing Ofori-Atta’s absence from Ghana, suggesting that such tactics divert attention from pressing national issues. He asserted that the legal system in Ghana allows for prosecution in absentia, referencing the case of Sedina Tamakloe as a precedent. ‘If they have substantial evidence, they should proceed through the courts,’ he stated, emphasizing the importance of due process over public speculation.
He expressed concern that ongoing public accusations without formal legal actions undermine trust in the judicial system and contribute to unnecessary political strife. According to Kodua, the current administration has used Ofori-Atta’s situation as a shield, deflecting criticism regarding issues like rising unemployment and escalating utility costs.
As it stands, Ofori-Atta is being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following his arrest earlier this month. His visitor visa was reportedly revoked, leading to the detention at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia. A recent immigration court hearing saw his legal team request a closed proceeding, which was granted, with the next hearing set for April 2026.
Back in Ghana, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued an Interpol Red Notice for Ofori-Atta as he faces several criminal investigations. These inquiries include questionable contractual dealings involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, alongside other allegations tied to the Electricity Company of Ghana.
Ofori-Atta, who served as the finance minister from 2017 until 2024, was instrumental during critical economic negotiations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2025, the OSP formally charged him with various corruption-related offenses.
His legal representatives have indicated that he has submitted a petition for adjustment of immigration status, which could allow him to remain in the U.S. legally, despite the ongoing extradition request from Ghana. The U.S. court has mandated that evidence of these extradition proceedings be submitted by mid-February 2026.
As this complex legal saga unfolds, the call for a balanced approach to justice continues, with hopes that the courts will clarify the facts surrounding Ofori-Atta’s cases.
