By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News, Canada
Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has challenged claims of due process in the ongoing case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, insisting that accountability must remain central.
Mr. Kpebu was speaking on Top Story on JoyFM on Wednesday, April 8, following developments in the United States, where Mr. Ofori-Atta was released from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody on bail after a judicial order. The former minister is expected to reappear in court on April 27 for deportation proceedings, as the case continues amid concerns over missing documentation and jurisdictional delays.
“We ascribe to due process, but I am presenting arguments that must be considered. You are dealing with someone who held public office and managed the public purse, and is alleged to have committed certain wrongdoing. He must come down and be held accountable. It is a constitutional requirement,” Kpebu said.
Commentary: While the legal process protects individual rights, Kpebu highlights that public office carries an inherent duty of accountability. The debate illustrates the tension between procedural legality and moral responsibility in governance.
Kpebu criticised the emphasis on due process without equal regard for responsibility:
“When I heard the argument about due process, I cringed. The same Constitution that guarantees due process also imposes responsibilities on citizens to protect public property. You have a right to due process, but you also have a duty.”
He further referenced Article 19 of the Constitution, stressing that Mr. Ofori-Atta has an obligation to appear and respond to the allegations.
“The former minister had earlier indicated a willingness to cooperate with the Office of the Special Prosecutor virtually, suggesting that he is fully aware of the issues at hand,” Kpebu added.
