Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni says Ghana must move beyond legal technicalities and apply diplomatic and public pressure if it is serious about bringing former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta back to face accountability.
Speaking on the principle of reciprocity in international relations on the KeyPoints with Alfred Ocansey, Manasseh argued that while legal processes matter, powerful individuals often evade justice because they have the resources to delay, frustrate or manipulate systems across borders.
Manasseh noted that while the Attorney-General may be legally correct in outlining the extradition process, it is misleading to suggest that the matter is entirely out of Ghana’s hands.
“Beyond the law, there are diplomatic tools and international relations pressures that can be applied,” he stressed.
According to him, the revelation that a formal extradition request was made nearly a year after the individual left Ghana is troubling and raises questions about delays in initiating investigations.
“At the time he left the country, there was no active investigation,” Manasseh said on December 20, adding that this delay has now complicated efforts to secure his return.
He warned that if the process continues at its current pace, the Attorney-General could complete his tenure without the suspect ever returning to Ghana.
“If all these legal dribbling are exhausted, he may never come back,” he cautioned.
Manasseh insisted that Ghana can leverage diplomatic engagement and public pressure, all of which must be activated deliberately.
He also linked the matter to the real-life suffering of ordinary citizens, including pensioners and investors whose funds remain locked up due to economic decisions.
“People who served this country cannot afford medication, while those who supervised these decisions are abroad,” he said.
Manasseh called for sustained citizen action, including peaceful protests and petitions to international partners, arguing that governments respond when citizens show seriousness.
“Power listens when citizens refuse to go to sleep,” he stated.
He urged Ghanaians to stop attacking those demanding accountability and instead support collective pressure to ensure justice is pursued.
“There were lapses that allowed him to leave, but there is still a way to bring him back,” Manasseh concluded.
