Mahama Questions Ofori-Atta's Continued Stay Abroad Amid Extradition Efforts
President John Dramani Mahama has questioned former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's decision to remain outside Ghana while efforts are underway to secure his return, arguing that anyone who believes they have done nothing wrong should not avoid facing the country's judicial process.
Speaking during the Citizens' Engagement at Ho Technical University as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region, President Mahama said the government's efforts to bring Mr Ofori-Atta back are being pursued through established international legal procedures.
He explained that the process is governed by Ghana's extradition treaty with the United States, where the former Finance Minister is currently residing, and must follow due legal procedures.
"If you want to bring him back, first you must have an extradition treaty with that country. Secondly, you must trigger a request and application for extradition," the President said.
According to President Mahama, Mr Ofori-Atta has the legal right to challenge any extradition request before an American court, where a judge will determine whether the application meets the legal requirements.
"He has a right to take a lawyer, go before a judge, and if he doesn't want to come, argue against coming.
Eventually, it will go before an American judge who will decide whether the gentleman should be put on a plane and brought back," he explained.
The President disclosed that the Attorney- General's Department has already initiated the extradition process and submitted the necessary application, although additional documentation has been requested as part of the proceedings.
Reflecting on Mr Ofori-Atta's tenure as Finance Minister, President Mahama recalled the period when more than 80 New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament petitioned then-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to remove him from office.
Quoting the former minister's response at the time, President Mahama appealed to him to return to Ghana and address any allegations through the country's legal system.
"You said you were like the father of children and that you couldn't run away and leave your children.
So, if we Ghanaians are your children, we're calling you. We're begging you, father, come back," he said.
The President maintained that anyone confident of their innocence should have no reason to avoid returning home.
"If you're a man of principle, and you believe you've done nothing wrong, I don't see why you should flee your own country," he stated.
President Mahama assured that Mr Ofori-Atta would receive a fair hearing if he returns to Ghana, stressing that the country's judicial system guarantees due process and the right to legal representation.
"We believe in the judicial system of our country. He will have the best of lawyers to defend him," he said.
He added that choosing not to return could leave unanswered questions about the former minister's conduct.
"But if he doesn't come back, then it means he leaves a cloud of doubt over his head forever, and over his children and grandchildren.
So, we'll see how things play out," the President said.
-Overseeronline.com
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