Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has weighed in on the ongoing concerns surrounding Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana and his potential legal scrutiny.
Speaking on TV3’s The KeyPoints, Kpebu highlighted that Ofori-Atta’s own actions have contributed to the current legal and public perception challenges he is facing.
“He is haunted by actions that enriched his family at the expense of the state. That is what is killing him,” Kpebu said on January 17, underscoring that past financial decisions now loom over the minister.
Kpebu analyzed the situation from two perspectives: the formal courtroom process and the court of public opinion.
He noted that Ofori-Atta’s absence and perceived attempts to evade justice have created negative sentiment.
“Ken has disappointed himself by absconding. He’s holding himself to be so much above the law that people would tolerate all manner of abuses,” Kpebu explained.
Referring to the financial sector under Ofori-Atta’s tenure, Kpebu suggested that the minister’s fears are rooted in the legal and ethical scrutiny of past decisions, particularly regarding the banking sector.
“Once you are a finance minister, you ensured that the current governor of the Bank of Ghana is prosecuted over the banking sector. That is why he is afraid,” Kpebu said.
The legal expert emphasized that, despite these fears, no individual is above the law, and Ofori-Atta should face the legal process like any other citizen.
He also noted that some of the anxiety arises from Ofori-Atta’s own refusal to engage with officials, such as Ambassador Victor Smith, to clarify matters or facilitate due process.
“He refused to see Ambassador Smith. Ambassador Smith never didn’t want to see you because of political persuasion. He is scared that something will go wrong,” Kpebu said.
Kpebu reiterated that the law is clear, including provisions for medical or humanitarian considerations, but that evading these processes only deepens public mistrust.
“We would not do anything like that. He should come and face the music,” Kpebu said, urging the minister to confront the legal scrutiny directly.
The legal practitioner also referenced the Supreme Court’s guidance on the treatment of detainees, noting that authorities must act within the law and timelines, without allowing procedural delays to compound the situation.
“The moment it becomes clear to you that you don’t want to admit the person, you don’t wait for 48 hours to expire, the law is clear,” Kpebu said, highlighting procedural adherence.
Kpebu concluded by stressing that while Ofori-Atta’s fears are human, they cannot justify avoiding accountability.
He called for a balanced approach that respects the legal system while addressing public sentiment.
