The debate over former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta‘s stay in the United States has intensified, with conflicting claims emerging over whether he left Ghana to evade accountability or to continue medical treatment.
Defending the former minister, NPP Communications Director Richard Ahiagbah insisted that Ofori-Atta remains unwell and is in the United States primarily for medical care.
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According to Mr Ahiagbah, Ofori-Atta’s application for a U.S. Green Card through Form I-485 is not an attempt to avoid Ghanaian authorities but a legal requirement to regularise his immigration status while undergoing treatment.
He explained that the status adjustment would remove immigration-related burdens and allow the former minister to focus on his recovery.
Richard Ahiagbah further maintained that Ofori-Atta is “not running from anybody” and argued that he had not been charged at the time he left Ghana on January 2, 2025.
The comments come amid allegations by Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako that Ofori-Atta departed the country shortly after the December 2024 elections to avoid legal scrutiny.
Lawyer Bediako pointed to the timing of the departure, noting that the former Finance Minister left Ghana two days after the electoral defeat of the governing party.
The MP argued that the Office of the Special Prosecutor has filed a 78-count charge sheet involving matters including SML, G-Money, and ambulance procurement, and claimed Ofori-Atta’s absence has complicated legal proceedings.
According to Hon Bediako, provisions governing trials in absentia require an accused person to be notified, creating procedural challenges when the individual is outside the jurisdiction.
He also questioned whether Ofori-Atta’s continued stay in the United States was consistent with previous assurances that government appointees would remain in Ghana and face accountability.
Ahiagbah, however, rejected suggestions that the Green Card application was evidence of an intention to abandon Ghana. He insisted the filing was solely intended to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws while Ofori-Atta continues receiving medical treatment.
