Ken Ofori-Atta
Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has disclosed that former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is worried about how he would be treated if he returns to Ghana to face legal processes, amid investigations involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Speaking in an interview with TV3, Mr. Smith said concerns about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s safety and treatment were relayed to him not by the former minister directly, but by his cousin, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko.
According to the Ambassador, Mr. Otchere-Darko contacted him to express anxiety over how Mr. Ofori-Atta would be handled if he returned to Ghana.
“I assured him that everybody goes through due process in this country. No one is going to be attacked or harassed,” Mr. Smith said, adding that assurances from the Attorney-General were that the former finance minister would be treated in line with the law, like any other person.
Mr. Smith stressed that what has heightened public anxiety around the case was what he described as Mr. Ofori-Atta’s own conduct, particularly perceptions that he had been evasive in responding to the OSP’s processes.
He, however, clarified that the fears being discussed were those expressed by people close to Mr. Ofori-Atta and not his personal assessment.
The Ambassador revealed that information reaching him suggests the former finance minister is willing to return to Ghana to “clear the air” and respond to the allegations against him, but remains uneasy due to the public noise surrounding the case.
He noted that he has not spoken directly to Mr. Ofori-Atta and therefore could not independently confirm those claims.
Legal Proceedings
On the U.S. legal proceedings, Mr. Smith said he had been informed that Mr. Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear in court virtually on the 20th, where a judge would assess the merits of his application and determine whether the hearing should proceed or be dismissed.
He indicated that virtual court hearings have become common practice in the United States, while addressing reports about Mr. Ofori-Atta’s detention and health.
He confirmed that officials of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had informed the Ghanaian mission that medical personnel assessed the former minister and determined that he was fit to remain in the detention facility.
“They assured us that medical personnel had examined him and confirmed that he was fit to be kept there. If he wasn’t, he would have been transferred to a bigger medical facility,” the Ambassador said, noting that detention centres in the U.S. have medical units capable of handling inmates’ health needs.
Ambassador Smith further disclosed that he had attempted to visit Mr. Ofori-Atta after being informed of his arrest, given the high-profile nature of the case.
However, the former finance minister declined to see officials from the Ghanaian mission, initially insisting on the presence of his lawyers and later rejecting the visit altogether, with or without legal representation.
“Once a detainee says no, that’s the end. ICE made it clear they could not arrange a visit against his wishes,” Mr. Smith explained, adding that he suspected the decision may have followed advice from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers.
Mr. Smith said the Ghanaian mission remains guided by diplomatic protocols and respect for individual rights as the legal process unfolds.
By Ernest Kofi Adu