Frank Davies, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) Constitution Amendment Committee, has stated that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana when he is ready. Davies made these remarks on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi, where the NPP was holding its National Delegates Congress and national officers' elections. He was responding to questions about Ofori-Atta's continued stay outside Ghana amid active criminal proceedings and efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his return.
Davies declined to condemn the former Finance Minister, citing the legal principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He refused to engage with public criticism of Ofori-Atta, stating that he would not participate in what he called the "court of public opinion." Davies emphasized that he respects the rights of everyone, including accused persons, suspects, and persons of interest.
Ofori-Atta faces 28 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The charges stem from allegations surrounding contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). In June 2026, Ofori-Atta secured a notable legal outcome in the United States when an immigration court approved his I-485 petition, which serves as a formal application to adjust immigration status.
The ruling set Ofori-Atta on the path to obtaining lawful permanent residency in the United States. Davies mentioned that legal matters concerning Ofori-Atta in the United States had since been resolved. He added that whatever the state had against Ofori-Atta has been settled in America, and now, Ghana needs to settle its own issues with him.
Ofori-Atta's extended absence has attracted sustained public scrutiny, with Ghanaian authorities continuing their efforts to bring him back within the jurisdiction to face the charges against him. The OSP has been actively pursuing the case, and the Ghanaian government is keen to have Ofori-Atta return to face trial.
Davies' comments have sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians, with some calling for Ofori-Atta to be held accountable for his alleged actions. Others have expressed support for Davies' stance, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and respecting the rights of the accused.
The NPP's position on Ofori-Atta's return and potential involvement in the party's activities remains unclear. As the situation continues to unfold, Ghanaians will be watching closely to see how the matter is resolved and what implications it may have for the country's politics and governance.
Key points
- Frank Davies, NPP Constitution Amendment Committee Chairman, says Ken Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana when he is ready.
- Ofori-Atta faces 28 corruption-related charges in Ghana over alleged contract irregularities involving SML and the GRA.
- Davies declined to condemn Ofori-Atta, citing the legal principle that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
