The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu has rejected claims that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta risks political persecution if he returns to Ghana to face possible legal action, insisting that the country has no history of extrajudicial treatment of high-profile individuals.
Speaking on TV3’s Point of View Saturday current affairs programme monitored by Kumasi Mail, the minister said Ghana’s democratic record over the past three decades does not support assertions that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta a formal finance Minister would be unfairly targeted or harmed if subjected to investigation or prosecution.
“I do not believe he is being pursued for mismanaging the economy,” the minister stated, noting that economic mismanagement and incompetence are political issues for which Ghanaians have already passed judgment through the ballot box by voting the government out of office.
According to him, prosecution can only be justified if criminal conduct is established, stressing that no individual is above the law and that Mr. Ofori-Atta should not be treated as an exception.
“If there is evidence of a crime, he should be treated like anybody else—arrested, informed of his rights, granted bail where appropriate, and allowed to go through the court process,” he said.
The minister dismissed suggestions that Ghana behaves like authoritarian states where political opponents are targeted, describing such claims as “far-fetched.”
He argued that, if anything, past injustices have occurred under previous administrations, citing the case of Gregor Afoko, who he said was detained for 10 years despite a court order for his release.
The government spokes person also referenced the 2005 death of Alhaji Issa Mobila while in military custody, describing it as the only instance in the last 30 years where a high-profile individual died in the custody of security agencies.
Addressing claims that Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta could seek refuge abroad, the minister said such options were no longer viable, disclosing that the former finance minister’s U.S. visa was revoked following the intervention of the Ghanaian government.
He questioned arguments that citizenship-by-investment or deportation options could shield Mr. Ofori-Atta from accountability, arguing that foreign governments would not grant residency or citizenship to individuals suspected of serious crimes.
“Nobody will kill him. Nobody will mistreat him,” the minister said, adding that Ghana’s legal system provides sufficient safeguards for anyone who believes they are being unfairly treated.
He further argued that several members of the former government are already facing legal processes without harassment, reinforcing his claim that Mr. Ofori-Atta would not be singled out.
The minister reiterated that Ken Ofori-Atta has no justification for refusing to return to Ghana if required, stressing that the rule of law applies equally to all citizens.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
