Justin Frimpong Kodua, General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has described the legal scrutiny involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as an “attempted persecution”, accusing the governing administration of selective justice.
Speaking during a media interview, Kodua argued that the government’s anti-corruption drive appears politically motivated, claiming authorities discontinued cases involving members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) before turning their attention to opposition figures. He alleged that prosecutors had previously entered nolle prosequi applications to halt corruption proceedings against individuals aligned with the ruling party, while pursuing investigations against NPP affiliates.
“If you are neutral and objective,” he said, “you will see this is more of political witch-hunting and persecution than a genuine fight against corruption.”
Kodua maintained that while no individual should be above the law, prosecutions must follow transparent and consistent standards. He added that he had not personally reviewed any formal charge sheet detailing allegations against Ofori-Atta, despite journalists noting that documents had reportedly been filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He also questioned why proceedings could not continue regardless of a suspect’s physical presence, citing the example of Sedina Tamakloe, who faced trial in absentia. “If the state believes it has a case, it should proceed,” he said.
Addressing perceptions that Ofori-Atta might be avoiding accountability, Kodua rejected the characterisation, reiterating the party’s view that the situation reflects political targeting rather than lawful enforcement.
Turning to internal party matters, Kodua acknowledged the NPP’s defeat in the 2024 general election but said the party had since undertaken reforms to rebuild. He noted that a review committee chaired by Aaron Mike Oquaye examined factors behind the loss and proposed recommendations now being implemented. Constitutional amendments adopted at the University of Ghana last July, he said, have already paved the way for recent presidential primaries as part of a broader reorganisation strategy.
Kodua expressed confidence the opposition party would recover, saying electoral setbacks are part of democratic politics but that swift restructuring is essential to regaining public trust.