Dr Joshua Zaato, a policy analyst and senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to “man up” and return to Ghana to face ongoing legal proceedings, describing recent images of Ofori-Atta in a foreign courtroom as “humbling” and a stark reminder of accountability.
Speaking during a televised discussion, Dr Zaato said the images, showing Ofori-Atta in a foreign courtroom, should serve as a powerful signal to anyone holding public office. “No matter who you are, be humble. These images should be a very powerful lesson to any man or woman who today has the power to serve the state,” he said.
Dr Zaato highlighted the broader implications of the case for Ghana’s political culture, noting that public perception has been heavily influenced by Ofori-Atta’s close association with former President Nana Akufo-Addo. “One of the reasons people assume Ken is guilty is because of his proximity to the former president. The narrative around ‘family and friends’ was amplified to suggest that personal connections enable corruption,” he said.
However, Dr Zaato argued that the controversy should be used to reinforce principles of accountability rather than perpetuate political prejudice. He criticised the continued influence of family and friends in powerful positions within government, noting, “We said we should reduce or eliminate family and friends influence in politics, but it’s still present. We are perpetuating the same issues we claimed to oppose.”
The analyst said the ongoing saga serves as a lesson in ethical governance. “Let us watch and ask ourselves how far we’ve come, or how low we’ve come. One day, there will be accountability, and processes like this are part of that lesson.”
Dr Zaato urged Ofori-Atta to return and face the charges directly, asserting that prolonged absence only complicates matters. “Personally, if I could give him direct counsel, I would say: Be here tomorrow. Face the trial. Man up and let the chips fall where they may. That would be my advice and official position,” he said.
The policy analyst also emphasised that holding individuals accountable under the law must be impartial, regardless of political or familial connections. “If the argument was that Ken acted because his cousin was the president, what about other family and friends occupying powerful positions? We need consistency in how accountability is applied,” he said.
Dr Zaato concluded that returning to Ghana to confront the allegations would not only demonstrate personal integrity but also strengthen institutional confidence in the country’s judicial processes. “It’s going to be a drop-by-drop, tick-by-tick process that keeps going. Facing it head-on is in everyone’s interest,” he said.
The remarks come amid continued public debate over the former minister’s legal status abroad, with many observers questioning the implications for Ghana’s fight against corruption and the precedent it sets for public officeholders. Dr Zaato’s call for Ofori-Atta to return underscores the ongoing tension between legal accountability, political influence, and public perception in Ghanaian governance.