Mr Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has called on Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister of Ghana, to return and account for his stewardship, insisting that doing so is a constitutional requirement.
His comments came amid ongoing legal and immigration proceedings involving the former minister in the United States, where he was recently released from custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on bail following a court order.
Speaking to media, Mr Kpebu challenged arguments centered solely on due process, stressing that public accountability must be given equal importance.
According to him, individuals who have held high public offices—especially those entrusted with managing state finances—have a duty to answer questions regarding their tenure.
“He must come down and be held accountable. It is a constitutional requirement,” he asserted, emphasizing that constitutional provisions go beyond rights and also impose responsibilities on citizens.
Mr Kpebu’s remarks were in response to claims by Frank Davies, legal counsel for Mr Ofori-Atta, who has maintained that his client has not been formally notified of any charges.
However, Mr Kpebu expressed concern about what he described as an overreliance on due process arguments without corresponding emphasis on accountability.
He argued that while the Constitution guarantees fair hearing and legal protections, it equally demands that individuals safeguard public interest and property.
Referencing Article 19 of Ghana’s Constitution, Mr Kpebu noted that the same legal framework that protects individual rights also requires persons accused of wrongdoing to respond to allegations.
He further pointed out that Mr Ofori-Atta had previously indicated willingness to cooperate with the Office of the Special Prosecutor virtually, suggesting awareness of the issues under investigation.
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently facing immigration-related proceedings in the United States, with a scheduled court appearance set for April 27 as part of ongoing deportation considerations.
His release on bail followed legal arguments that, in the absence of a formal extradition request from Ghana, he could not be deemed a flight risk.
The issue has sparked wider national discussion about accountability, due process, and the responsibilities of public officials.
While some legal experts continue to stress the importance of allowing judicial processes to run their course, Mr Kpebu maintains that accountability should not be delayed or avoided, particularly in matters involving the management of public funds.
As developments continue both in Ghana and the United States, the case remains a focal point in conversations about governance, rule of law, and public sector responsibility.
Story by: Philip Kendriz Elikem
