The General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has challenged the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to proceed with the prosecution of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in absentia if they believe they have a solid case against him.
Kodua’s comments come amid renewed calls by the NDC for the arrest and prosecution of Ofori-Atta over alleged financial mismanagement and corruption during his tenure as Finance Minister.
The government has repeatedly accused the former minister of causing economic hardship through what it describes as reckless borrowing and poor fiscal decisions.
Speaking on Accra-based Adom FM, Kodua dismissed the NDC’s allegations as politically motivated, arguing that the party is more interested in propaganda than genuine accountability.
He maintained that Ofori-Atta has not been convicted of any wrongdoing and is entitled to due process under the law.
He also accused the NDC of politicising Ken Ofori-Atta’s absence instead of pursuing lawful channels.
“I dare the NDC to try Ken Ofori-Atta in absentia if they believe he has committed any crime. The NPP tried Sedina Tamakloe in absentia. So if they cannot get hold of Ken, they should go ahead and try him in absentia if they have evidence and a proper case,” he stated.
He added that public accusations without formal charges amount to little more than propaganda and do not solve the country’s pressing problems.
He indicated that “They should bring the charges and take him to court. Now they are blaming Ken’s absence for everything.”
Kodua further argued that the former Finance Minister has become a convenient political talking point for the NDC.
“Ken is now their message. When people complain about water bills, they mention Ken. When you ask about unemployment, they say Ken is not in Ghana,” he added.
The Special Prosecutor (OSP) earlier declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive. The OSP had accused him of financial misconduct during his time in office and issued a fugitive warrant as part of wider efforts to pursue alleged corruption and mismanagement among senior government officials.
The OSP warned that if Ofori-Atta fails to report by the stipulated date, his name will be reinstated on the list of wanted persons in Ghana, and he will again be officially declared a fugitive from justice.
OSP investigating Ken Ofori-Atta over five key issues
The Special Prosecutor’s office is probing Ofori-Atta in connection with five major investigations:
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Examining the contractual relationship between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- Electricity Company Contract termination: Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
- National Cathedral Project: Reviewing procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the controversial National Cathedral project.
- Ambulance Procurement Scandal: Scrutinising a Ministry of Health deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
- GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Investigating the handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
