Alhassan Sulemana Tampuli, Member of Parliament for Gushegu Constituency, has voiced concerns over the handling of the legal case involving Ken Ofori-Atta, asserting that the politicisation of the matter has diminished any motivation for the individual’s return to Ghana.
Speaking on Newsfile with host Samson Lardy, Tampuli traced the issue to June 2025, when Ken underwent surgery at the Mayo Clinic. He emphasised that medical records were publicly verifiable and that a standard recuperation period was expected. “It may have gone past that period because it’s been six months now,” Tampuli noted. He suggested that political pressures and stringent scrutiny discourage voluntary compliance, arguing that self-preservation is a natural response in such circumstances.
The MP highlighted inconsistencies in the treatment of other high-profile cases, referencing individuals such as Wuntumi and Assibey Antwi, who faced restrictive bail conditions but were eventually released. He observed that Ken had not met certain bail conditions, further complicating his return. If I have deep apprehension that you are going to trample on my rights, I have every right to decide whether I can take this risk or not,” Tampuli said.
Tampuli also compared Ken’s case to that of Sedina, the former MASLOC CEO who absconded without significant media attention, stressing that the legal system can proceed even in the absence of the accused through mechanisms such as summonses, arrest warrants, and bench warrants. He emphasised that physical presence is not always required to continue proceedings.
Drawing on international precedent, Tampuli cited a former Nigerian Petroleum Minister who has faced extradition requests since 2015 but remains outside the country, illustrating that trials and prosecutions can advance despite non-appearance.
He further warned that politicisation has fortified Ken’s position abroad, potentially complicating any extradition process. “We have politicised the case so much that we have even fortified his case in the US. I would not be surprised if this becomes a foolish case, especially regarding extradition,” Tampuli said, urging authorities to prioritise justice and the integrity of legal procedures over political considerations.
The MP concluded by stressing that the handling of such cases must be consistent, transparent, and guided by law rather than political expediency. He called for careful adherence to legal protocols to ensure that justice is served without undermining public trust or discouraging individuals from complying with legal requirements.