Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Pressure group Arise Ghana has commenced a 14-day picketing exercise at the Embassy of the United States of America in Accra, demanding the return of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to Ghana to answer to alleged corruption and economic mismanagement charges.
The picketing, which began on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, is aimed at pushing for the extradition of Mr. Ofori-Atta, who has been outside the country since January 6, 2025, following a change of government.
Speaking to the media at the protest grounds, the convener of Arise Ghana, Bernard Anbataayela Mornah, accused the former minister of causing “massive economic hemorrhage” to the nation and evading accountability by remaining in the United States.
According to Mr. Mornah, several state institutions — including the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), the National Investigations Bureau, and the Office of the Attorney General — have since invited Mr. Ofori-Atta to respond to what he described as numerous corruption-related issues arising from his tenure.
He stated that Mr. Ofori-Atta had earlier cited ill health as the reason for his stay in the United States, a claim that was publicly supported by his lawyers and family. However, Mr. Mornah insisted that the former minister has since recovered but is now allegedly seeking permanent residence in the US.
“Ken Ofori-Atta is afraid to return to Ghana, yet if he has committed no crime, there should be nothing to fear,” Mr. Mornah said, alleging that the OSP alone has prepared 78 charges against the former minister.
He further disclosed that during recent court proceedings in the United States, Ghana’s extradition request for Mr. Ofori-Atta was brought to the attention of the presiding judge. The court, he said, adjourned the matter to April 27, 2026, to allow for the submission of relevant extradition documents.
Mr. Mornah blamed Mr. Ofori-Atta for Ghana’s past economic difficulties, citing high inflation, cedi depreciation, and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme as part of what he described as a “legacy of regret” under the previous administration.
He warned that failure to hold the former finance minister accountable could set a dangerous precedent for future public office holders, who may abuse their positions and flee the country after a change in government.
While emphasizing the need for accountability, Mr. Mornah noted that Arise Ghana’s primary interest is not imprisonment but the recovery of alleged stolen assets.
“Our priority is to retrieve what was taken from the people of Ghana. Recovering the money will benefit the nation more than bearing the cost of incarceration,” he said.
He called on US authorities to facilitate the extradition process, stressing that Ghana’s interest lies in addressing criminal and economic issues rather than immigration matters.
Arise Ghana has vowed to sustain the protest throughout the 14-day period until concrete steps are taken to ensure Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana to face investigations.
