The Minister of State responsible for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has emphasised that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is subject to the same legal standards as every other Ghanaian and is not entitled to any special consideration under the law.
Mr Ofori-Atta held the position of Finance Minister between 2017 and 2024 during the administration of the New Patriotic Party. His tenure has since attracted public scrutiny, with concerns raised over alleged financial improprieties and procurement-related decisions.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has, in recent years, announced investigations into several transactions authorised during his time in office. These include revenue assurance agreements, elements of the public debt restructuring exercise, and payments made through sole sourcing arrangements.
Legal representatives of the former minister have consistently stated that he is prepared to cooperate with any lawful investigation. They have also explained that his stay outside Ghana is temporary and linked to medical treatment and security concerns.
In an exclusive interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, January 26, Mr Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that equality before the law is a fundamental principle of Ghana’s justice system. He noted that state institutions can be challenged in court if they exceed their legal mandate.
According to him, no individual, regardless of status, should expect preferential treatment. He added that institutions acting outside the law can be restrained through judicial processes.
The Communications Minister further explained that security and investigative bodies such as the Economic and Organised Crime Office, the Criminal Investigations Department, and the National Intelligence Bureau operate within the confines of the law. He noted that individuals who believe bail conditions or other legal requirements are unfair have the right to seek redress in court.
Meanwhile, Mr Ofori-Atta appeared before a court in the United States on Tuesday, January 20, following actions taken by US immigration authorities concerning his residency status. He was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on January 6, 2026, at his residence in Washington DC, after his visa was revoked in mid-2025.
The case was heard by immigration judge David Gardey and has been adjourned to April 27, 2026.
The developments have generated public reaction in Ghana. On the same day as the court appearance, pressure group Arise Ghana organised a demonstration outside the United States Embassy in Accra, calling for the former finance minister’s return to Ghana to face ongoing investigations into alleged financial misconduct.
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