By Sarah Baafi
Member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Team, George Kwadwo Ayisi, has expressed concern over reports of the detention of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the United States, urging authorities to carefully balance accountability with due process and humanitarian considerations.
Speaking on GBC’s Current Agenda during a discussion on “Ken Ofori-Atta Detained: ICE vs Ghana’s Extradition – Clash or Coordination?”, Ayisi described Ofori-Atta as a “very distinguished citizen of Ghana” and an internationally recognised individual whose health condition must not be overlooked in the ongoing legal processes.
Ayisi said his initial reaction to news of the detention was one of worry, particularly because Ofori-Atta had travelled to the United States with official permission to seek medical treatment.
“When I heard it, I was worried. We all know that during his tenure as Finance Minister, he had serious health challenges and had to travel abroad for treatment. These are not matters to be taken lightly,” he stated.
While reiterating that the NPP is not opposed to accountability, Ayisi cautioned against any approach that could endanger the former minister’s life or compromise justice.
“Once there are allegations against you, you must answer them. But justice must not be pursued in a way that worsens someone’s health or creates the impression of persecution,” he said.
Ayisi admitted feeling embarrassed by public narratives suggesting that Ofori-Atta was unwilling to return to Ghana, but argued that any legal advisor would reasonably be cautious under the circumstances.
“If I were his lawyer, I would be very careful in advising him to return immediately, especially considering his medical condition and how similar situations have been handled in the past,” he noted.
He warned that prolonged legal back-and-forth or aggressive handling could aggravate Ofori-Atta’s health situation, stressing that the matter should not be criminalised beyond what the law requires.
On the legal processes involved, Ayisi agreed with legal analyst Lawyer Powell that extradition proceedings should be clearly distinguished from deportation or civil immigration matters, describing them as separate legal regimes that must not be conflated.
He also pushed back against suggestions that the detention automatically validates the government’s claims, noting that legal arguments and procedures in the United States are complex and time-bound.
“The fact that issues are now gaining attention after many months does not necessarily mean guilt. There are brilliant lawyers handling this case, and we must allow due process to run its course,” he said.
Ayisi concluded by calling for restraint and professionalism from all sides, urging the Ghanaian government, legal institutions and diplomatic missions to ensure that the matter is handled in a manner that upholds justice, human dignity and Ghana’s international reputation.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com