Civil activist and flagbearer of the People’s National Convention (PNC), Bernard Mornah, has alleged that the United States government is deliberately refusing to release former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to face accountability in Ghana.
Speaking on Ghana Nie on Atinka TV, hosted by Ama Gyenfa Ofosu-Darkwah, Mr Mornah claimed that actions taken by US authorities suggest a lack of genuine commitment to Ofori-Atta’s extradition.
According to him, the US only released photographs and news about Ofori-Atta’s reported detention to douse public anger and frustrate planned protests.
He noted that the information was made public just days before a scheduled demonstration, creating the impression that American authorities were working towards extraditing the former finance minister.
“It is clear that the United States does not want to release Ken Ofori-Atta,” Mr Mornah stated, adding that the former minister’s investments in the US may be working in his favour.
Bernard Mornah announced that he will join the Arise Ghana movement tomorrow for a protest at the American Embassy in Accra. He said the picketing will continue until Ken Ofori-Atta is brought back to Ghana to answer questions regarding his stewardship.
He challenged the former finance minister to return voluntarily if he believes he has committed no wrongdoing.
“Ken Ofori-Atta is a man of God who always wears white and quotes the Bible. He should have faith in the system and come and account to the people. If you know you’ve done nothing wrong, come and account to the people. Nothing will happen to you,” he said.
The PNC flagbearer cited examples of other public officials who, according to him, subjected themselves to investigations without fleeing the country. He mentioned former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, who he said honoured invitations from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) every two weeks after his first term in office, as well as Energy Minister Matthew Opoku Prempeh, who he noted is currently undergoing similar scrutiny.
“So why is Ken afraid?” Mr Mornah questioned.
The planned protest at the American Embassy is expected to draw activists demanding transparency and accountability over the former finance minister’s whereabouts and alleged attempts to evade investigation.
By Ebenezer Madugu
