Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni says ongoing investigations involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta should not be framed as political persecution.
He said the issues is about institutional accountability.
Speaking on developments around the case on the KeyPoints on June 20, Manasseh said recent meetings between the Attorney-General and the US Department of Justice reflect normal legal cooperation processes, including possible trial procedures in absentia after formal service.
He argued that state agencies have been slow in advancing aspects of the investigation, but maintained that delays do not invalidate the substance of the case.
“When we started questioning why the OSP slept on the job from 2023, the investigation only started in 2025,” he said.
Manasseh added that mutual legal assistance frameworks and extradition processes remain available tools, even if they may take time or face jurisdictional limitations.
He noted that individuals subject to investigation could, in theory, move to jurisdictions without extradition agreements, complicating enforcement but not erasing accountability obligations.
Addressing growing claims of political persecution, he insisted that such arguments must be weighed against documented findings and official reports.
According to him, official reports including findings from KPMG and government white papers already raised concerns about procurement decisions, approvals, and payments made under the previous administration.
Manasseh said accountability should not be dismissed as political targeting, especially when investigative findings are backed by state institutions and formal audits.
“If anybody is minded to read the KPMG report and the government white paper, there is enough evidence of wrongdoing,” he said.
He further argued that public commentary, whether from politicians or lawyers, should not override evidence gathered by investigative bodies and courts.
Manasseh maintained that the matter is not about predetermined guilt but about allowing due process to establish the facts.
“It isn’t a charge that says he is guilty. There are processes, and the court must decide,” he noted.
He concluded that framing the case as persecution undermines legitimate accountability efforts and misrepresents the role of investigative institutions.
By Christabel Success Treve
