The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has voiced his support for investigations into alleged corruption involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. However, he has raised concerns about the manner in which the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is handling the case, particularly the decision to declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive.
Opoku’s comments come in the wake of the OSP’s announcement that Ofori-Atta is a suspect in four high-profile cases, including the National Cathedral Project, the Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) revenue engagement, and two other undisclosed matters. The OSP has been actively investigating these cases, citing concerns over financial irregularities and alleged misconduct.
Speaking in an interview on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, February 12, Opoku made it clear that he supports transparency and accountability in governance. He emphasized that public officials must be held to high ethical standards, but he questioned whether the OSP’s approach aligns with principles of fairness and due process.
“I am not here to defend anybody that the state feels has engaged in any wrongdoing. I mean, we are public officers, and we are expected to govern with a certain dignity. So if there is sufficient evidence to indicate that the former Finance Minister has engaged in any wrongdoing, I believe that he ought to face the law, and due process must be followed,” Opoku stated.
Despite his stance on accountability, the Mpraeso MP stressed that legal processes should be conducted in a manner that respects the fundamental rights of all citizens. He expressed concern over the manner in which Ofori-Atta has been labeled by the OSP, arguing that such actions could set a dangerous precedent for governance and justice in Ghana.
“We strongly believe that the processes leading to that process ought to follow a particular rule of law. We need to uphold the fundamental rights of every Ghanaian, irrespective of your service or whether the Ghanaian people like you or not, and that has been our position,” he added.
The OSP’s decision to publicly name Ofori-Atta as a suspect has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. While some view it as a necessary step in the fight against corruption, others believe it could be politically motivated or executed in a manner that undermines due process.
Critics argue that the Special Prosecutor’s office should ensure that its investigations are conducted in a manner that is free from political bias. Legal experts have pointed out that while the OSP has the authority to investigate and prosecute corruption cases, it must also respect the constitutional rights of suspects.
“The fight against corruption is a noble one, but it must be done within the confines of the law. When a public officer is accused, there must be transparency, but also fairness. Labeling someone as a fugitive without exhausting all legal avenues could be problematic,” a legal analyst noted.
The case involving the National Cathedral Project has been particularly controversial, as it involves significant public funds. The project, which was initially championed as a symbol of national unity and spirituality, has faced numerous financial and administrative challenges. Allegations of financial mismanagement have further fueled public criticism, making it one of the most scrutinized projects in recent years.
Similarly, the Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) revenue engagement case has raised questions about the transparency of government contracts and financial dealings. The OSP has been investigating the circumstances surrounding SML’s contracts and whether they were awarded in a manner that adhered to procurement laws and financial regulations.
The developments surrounding Ofori-Atta’s case come at a time when public trust in government institutions is being tested. Many Ghanaians have expressed concerns about corruption within political and economic systems, calling for stronger measures to hold officials accountable.
For some political analysts, the outcome of this case could have broader implications for Ghana’s political landscape. If the investigations result in a trial, it could set a precedent for how high-profile corruption cases are handled in the future. However, if the process is seen as flawed or politically motivated, it could deepen public skepticism about the country’s justice system.
“The perception of fairness in high-profile corruption cases is crucial. If the process is not seen as credible, it could damage public confidence in institutions meant to ensure justice and accountability,” an analyst observed.
The government has yet to officially comment on the allegations against Ofori-Atta or the OSP’s handling of the matter. However, sources within the ruling party have indicated that there is growing concern about the political and economic implications of the case.
Some members of the NPP have privately expressed worries that the case could impact the party’s reputation, especially as the next election approaches. Others believe that allowing the legal process to take its course without interference is the best way to maintain public confidence in the party’s commitment to fighting corruption.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized on the controversy, using it as an opportunity to criticize the government’s handling of corruption. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has called for a thorough and impartial investigation, urging the OSP to ensure that justice is served without political interference.
As the case unfolds, many are watching closely to see how the OSP will proceed and whether Ofori-Atta will cooperate with the investigation. His legal team has not made any public statements regarding the allegations, but sources suggest that they are preparing to challenge the OSP’s characterization of him as a suspect.
Ghana’s anti-corruption fight has been a major topic of discussion in recent years, with calls for stronger enforcement of laws and greater transparency in government affairs. The Special Prosecutor’s office was established to tackle high-level corruption, but its effectiveness has often been debated. Some believe it has made significant strides, while others argue that more needs to be done to ensure that its investigations are free from political influence.
As public interest in the case continues to grow, many are eager to see whether the allegations against Ofori-Atta will lead to legal action or if they will become yet another example of a high-profile case that fades from public discourse without concrete consequences.
For now, the focus remains on the OSP’s next steps and whether it will be able to present a compelling case backed by solid evidence. While Davis Ansah Opoku supports the investigation, his call for fairness and respect for due process highlights the complexities of addressing corruption in a politically charged environment.
