Omanghana
President John Dramani Mahama has publicly called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to voluntarily return to Ghana from the United States to face ongoing corruption-related investigations.
The President made the appeal on Friday, July 17, 2026, during his “Reset Tour” of the Volta Region, where he addressed the former minister’s continued stay abroad and urged him to trust Ghana’s judicial system.
Mahama Uses Ofori-Atta’s Own Words to Make Appeal
During his remarks, President Mahama referred to comments previously made by Ofori-Atta during a political controversy involving calls for his resignation.
Mahama recalled that when 80 Members of Parliament from Ofori-Atta’s own party demanded his removal, the former Finance Minister rejected the calls and described himself as a father who could not abandon his children.
Turning that statement around, Mahama appealed directly to Ofori-Atta to return home.
“So if we Ghanaians are your children, we are calling you, we are begging you, father come back. Your children are calling you to come back,” Mahama said.
President Questions Decision to Remain Abroad
Mahama questioned why anyone who believes they have done nothing wrong would avoid returning to their home country.
“If you are a man of principle and you believe you have done nothing wrong, I don’t see why you should flee your own country,” he stated.
The President argued that returning to Ghana would allow Ofori-Atta to defend himself through the appropriate legal channels.
Ofori-Atta Faces 78-Count Corruption Case
The call comes amid an ongoing legal dispute involving the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has filed a 78-count corruption case against the former Finance Minister.
The OSP has also declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive after he failed to return to Ghana to assist with investigations.
The allegations against him form part of broader corruption investigations into decisions made during his tenure at the Ministry of Finance.
US Residency Decision Adds New Legal Dimension
The situation has taken an international turn following developments involving Ofori-Atta’s legal status in the United States.
His legal team has disclosed that a U.S. court approved his permanent residency status on June 15, 2026.
The lawyers argued that the U.S. proceedings raised questions about the credibility of the charges against him in Ghana and emphasized that he was initially in America for medical treatment.
Ghana Continues Extradition Efforts
Despite the U.S. residency decision, President Mahama said Ghana’s government remains committed to pursuing legal avenues to bring Ofori-Atta back.
He confirmed that the Attorney General’s Office is actively working on formal extradition procedures to secure his return.
Mahama assured Ghanaians that should Ofori-Atta return, he would have access to qualified legal representation and receive a fair hearing under Ghana’s judicial system.
Justice System at the Center of Debate
The controversy surrounding Ofori-Atta’s case has become a major political and legal issue, with debates focusing on accountability, due process, and the responsibilities of public officials.
President Mahama’s latest comments reinforce his administration’s position that individuals facing allegations of wrongdoing should return home and allow the courts to determine the outcome of their cases.
Source: Omanghana
