Pressure group Arise Ghana has urged former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and account for his stewardship, insisting that the country is safe and its judicial system can guarantee him a fair trial.

The group says Ofori-Atta should not use concerns about his personal safety as a reason to remain outside the country while facing legal issues connected to his time in public office.

The call follows disclosures by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Emmanuel Smith, concerning the use of footage from a demonstration held outside the US Embassy in Accra.

According to the ambassador, videos of the protest were reportedly presented by Ofori-Atta’s legal team to support arguments that the former minister could face safety concerns if returned to Ghana and might not receive a fair trial.

The demonstration was organised by Arise Ghana and other concerned citizens, who demanded that Ofori-Atta return to the country to respond to questions surrounding his tenure as Finance Minister.

Arise Ghana defends demonstration outside US Embassy

Arise Ghana has defended the demonstration, describing it as a peaceful exercise of citizens’ constitutional right to protest and demand accountability from public officials.

The group maintains that the protest was not intended to threaten Ofori-Atta but to draw attention to concerns about public accountability and the management of state resources.

It argues that peaceful demonstrations are part of Ghana’s democratic process and should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that the country is unsafe.

Arise Ghana further maintains that citizens have the right to express their concerns about public officials, particularly when questions arise over decisions taken while they were in office.

The group believes that using footage of the demonstration to suggest that Ghana cannot guarantee Ofori-Atta’s safety misrepresents the purpose of the protest.

Group calls on former Finance Minister to face legal process

The pressure group has challenged Ofori-Atta to return voluntarily and respond to the allegations against him through Ghana’s legal system.

It argues that public officials must be prepared to account for their stewardship, especially when their decisions and actions are the subject of legal investigations.

Arise Ghana also questioned the suggestion that the former minister could not receive a fair hearing in Ghana.

The group insists that Ofori-Atta should be given the opportunity to defend himself in court rather than allow the matter to remain unresolved.

It has called on him to cooperate with the relevant authorities and respect the country’s judicial process.

Arise Ghana expresses confidence in Ghana’s judiciary

Arise Ghana has also defended the independence of Ghana’s judiciary, pointing to constitutional provisions that protect the courts from improper interference.

The group cited Articles 125 and 127 of the 1992 Constitution, which establish the judiciary as an independent arm of government and provide safeguards for its institutional independence.

According to the group, Ghana’s courts have the constitutional responsibility to hear cases and determine them based on the evidence and applicable laws.

It maintains that concerns about the country’s judicial system should not be used to undermine public confidence in the administration of justice.

Arise Ghana says the former Finance Minister is entitled to a fair hearing and should be allowed to answer the allegations through the established legal process.

Group appeals to US authorities over extradition request

The pressure group has also called on the United States Department of Justice and relevant immigration authorities to cooperate with Ghana’s efforts to secure Ofori-Atta’s return.

It wants US authorities to carefully consider Ghana’s extradition request and assess the legal arguments presented by both sides.

Arise Ghana further urged Ofori-Atta to consider returning voluntarily rather than prolonging the process.

The group says accountability should apply to everyone, regardless of their former position or influence in government.

Ofori-Atta faces legal issues in Ghana

The former Finance Minister is facing corruption-related charges in Ghana connected to the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.

Ofori-Atta has denied wrongdoing, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.

Ghanaian authorities have been pursuing his return from the United States through the appropriate legal channels.

Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith has explained that Ofori-Atta’s immigration proceedings in the United States and Ghana’s extradition request are separate legal processes.

He has also indicated that Ghanaian officials, including Attorney-General Dr Dominic Ayine and representatives of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), have engaged US authorities over the matter.

The outcome will depend on the applicable legal procedures and the decisions of the relevant authorities.

Accountability remains at the centre of the debate

Arise Ghana maintains that its demand for Ofori-Atta’s return is rooted in the need for accountability and respect for the rule of law.

The group insists that a peaceful demonstration should not be confused with a threat to personal safety and that Ghana’s courts must be allowed to determine cases brought before them.

It has therefore renewed its call on the former Finance Minister to return home and respond to the allegations through the country’s judicial system.

For the group, the central issue is ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their stewardship while respecting the rights of every individual to a fair hearing.

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