Former Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Andy Appiah-Kubi, has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana to respond to allegations of corruption currently under investigation.
Speaking on TV3’s Saturday Morning current affairs programme, the lawyer and former legislator said it was unfortunate that the conversation about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s absence from the country had arisen, stressing that anyone required by the courts or investigative bodies must make themselves available.
“Once the court needs him, he has to come,” Mr. Appiah-Kubi said. “He must come and defend himself.”
He said he was not in a position to comment on reports surrounding the expiration of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s visa in the United States, noting that he could not independently verify such claims.
However, he maintained that the former minister’s physical presence in Ghana was necessary to address the allegations.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi further emphasized that Mr. Ofori-Atta was not the only individual invited to respond to issues relating to alleged corruption, adding that being accused does not amount to guilt.
“The fact that you have been accused of wrongdoing does not mean you are guilty,” he said. “You have every right to come and explain yourself to clear every misconception.”
Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, has been cited in ongoing discussions surrounding alleged financial irregularities, prompting public debate over accountability and due process.
Mr. Appiah-Kubi’s comments add to growing calls from various quarters for individuals named in corruption-related investigations to cooperate fully with state institutions as part of efforts to uphold transparency and the rule of law.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
