By Collins Sarkodieh 
The political conversation surrounding transparency and fiscal accountability in the country has taken a highly interesting turn. President John Dramani Mahama has publicly challenged the former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to return to Ghana and answer critical questions regarding his past administrative decisions.
The President argued that hiding outside the jurisdiction creates unnecessary tension and raises serious questions about integrity. This open call for accountability has re-energized local discussions on how state resources were managed over the last few years.
The President made these direct remarks during a well-attended Citizens Engagement forum at the Ho Technical University. The interactive gathering was a major highlights of his tour across the Volta Region.
Mahama explained that if a public officer feels completely confident in their past actions, fleeing the country should never be an option. The state is currently using established diplomatic channels to request the return of the former finance chief so he can formally respond to ongoing investigations.
Securing the physical return of the former minister is not a simple overnight task, as it depends heavily on international legal agreements. President Mahama explained that Ghana must strictly rely on its existing extradition treaty with the United States, where Ofori-Atta is currently residing.
The Attorney General’s Department has already initiated the formal extradition process by submitting the necessary paperwork, though foreign handlers have requested additional documents. Under international law, Ofori-Atta possesses the absolute right to hire lawyers and challenge the repatriation request before an American judge, who will ultimately decide whether he should be put on a plane back to Accra.
To add some historic context to his argument, President Mahama reminded the audience of the internal struggles that previously hit the New Patriotic Party. He recalled when over eighty sitting NPP Members of Parliament boldly petitioned then-President Nana Akufo-Addo to dismiss Ofori-Atta due to the economic crisis.
The President humorously noted that during those chaotic times, the former minister defended his stay in office by claiming he was like a loving father who could not run away and leave his children behind. Mahama used that exact statement to tease the politician, telling him that if Ghanaians are indeed his children, then the children are officially begging their father to come back home.
The presidency has given a firm assurance to civil society groups and international observers that the rule of law will be fully respected throughout this process. Should the former minister choose to return home voluntarily, the Ghanaian judicial system will grant him a perfectly transparent and fair hearing.
He will have full access to the best defense lawyers in the country to justify his financial transactions and economic policies. However, Mahama warned that refusing to show up will only leave a permanent cloud of dark doubt over his personal legacy, his children, and his grandchildren for generations to come.
Also Read: Mahama Questions Why Ken Ofori-Atta Fled Ghana