Policy analyst and lawyer Kofi Bentil says former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta would face serious security risks if he returns to Ghana amid ongoing legal proceedings involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews, Bentil argued that the handling of the case has created a hostile public atmosphere around Ofori-Atta, making his return difficult under current circumstances.
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“If I were Ken I wouldn’t come to Ghana… he will be in danger of being assaulted even by ordinary citizens because he has been so demonised,” he stated.
Bentil criticised the prosecution’s handling of the matter, describing the process as flawed and driven more by emotion than a methodical legal strategy.
A key issue raised was the issuance of Interpol red notices before Ofori-Atta had been formally charged. According to Bentil, the notices were later withdrawn and an apology issued to the former minister.
“The Interpol red notice… they were withdrawn and they apologised to him… when you haven’t charged the person how do you issue an Interpol red notice?” he questioned.
He argued that the premature international action reflected a failure to follow established legal procedures and contributed to the current difficulties surrounding the case.
Bentil also addressed reports that Ofori-Atta had obtained a United States green card. He noted that while a green card does not prevent extradition, the decision carries symbolic significance.
“The green card… is a signal that the US authorities do not agree entirely with the way Ken Ofori-Atta’s process is being handled. So they have strengthened him in the states,” he said.
The discussion also focused on whether Ofori-Atta could participate in proceedings remotely. Bentil noted that the former minister reportedly offered to appear through video conferencing, but the offer was not accepted.
He argued that accepting virtual participation could have helped move the matter forward and provided closure, while acknowledging that legal debates remain over whether an accused person can take a plea and be tried without being physically present within the jurisdiction.
According to Bentil, the case has now reached a state of uncertainty, with legal challenges affecting the OSP’s ability to proceed.
He described the current situation as a result of delays in taking key legal steps, including formally charging the accused and commencing trial proceedings.
Calling for a change in approach, Bentil urged authorities to focus on legal procedure rather than public campaigns.
“Let us proceed not with emotional zeal but with calculated and organized approaches that will bring us the kind of results that we need as a country so we can have closure,” he said.
