Senior Lecturer and Political Scientist at the Kumasi Technical University(KsTU), Dr. Samuel Afriyie, has said Ghanaians have not treated former Finance Minister Ken Ofori‑Atta fairly.
Speaking on ABC In The Morning, Dr. Afriyie questioned the intense public debate surrounding Ofori-Atta’s detention by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “If this is not political, I don’t see why Ghanaians need to spend time discussing him, for what?” he asked.
He argued that the intensity of public scrutiny has overshadowed objective analysis, suggesting that Ofori-Atta’s case has been unfairly politicized.
Dr. Afriyie also raised the possibility of alternative legal measures, noting that the government could consider trying Ofori-Atta in absentia. “Can’t we try Ofori-Atta in absentia?” he asked, arguing that his physical presence in Ghana is not necessary for the case to proceed.
Dr Afriyie contends that the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Attorney-General should rely on existing legal provisions rather than pushing for Ofori-Atta’s return, especially amid reports of his detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
He cited the prosecution of former MASLOC Chief Executive, Sedina Tamakloe, as a clear precedent for conducting trials in absentia, stressing that justice should not be delayed because a suspect is outside the country.
The matter remains ongoing, with keen attention now focused on the January 20 immigration hearing in the United States.
