Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has described the reported treatment of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta abroad as embarrassing for Ghana, urging him to return home to address ongoing legal and investigative matters.
According to Prof. Gyampo, Ghana offers a more dignified and secure environment for resolving political and legal disputes, especially for former public office holders.
“For me, it is an embarrassment to Ghana for our former finance minister to be subjected to that kind of inhuman treatment,” he said.
Return Home, Not Fear Persecution
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 24, Prof. Gyampo dismissed suggestions that Ofori-Atta might face political persecution if he returns to Ghana, stressing that such fears do not reflect the country’s political reality.
He explained that Ghana’s political culture has historically allowed citizens with opposing political views to coexist peacefully without personal victimisation.
“If truly people close to him are telling us that he wants to come, then I do not expect him to use that as an excuse that he may face political persecution,” Prof. Gyampo stated.
“This is a country where people disagree politically but still live together peacefully. A man can be NPP, a woman NDC, and they coexist,” he added.
Safety and Interests Better Protected in Ghana
Prof. Gyampo argued that Ofori-Atta’s personal safety, reputation, and legal interests would be better protected in Ghana than in foreign jurisdictions, where individuals can be subjected to harsh treatment regardless of guilt or innocence.
He noted that returning home would allow the former minister to properly engage with the legal processes surrounding his tenure in office.
“I’m thinking that his interest will be better protected if he comes to his country,” he said.
Call for Accountability
Beyond Ofori-Atta, Prof. Gyampo also urged Sedinam Tamakloe, who is similarly facing investigations, to return to Ghana and submit herself to the appropriate authorities.
He stressed that accountability is best pursued within one’s own country rather than from abroad.
Personal Reflection on Life Abroad
To underscore his point, Prof. Gyampo shared a personal reflection, revealing that he turned down opportunities to work overseas after completing his PhD because he preferred to serve Ghana rather than risk being treated as a second-class citizen elsewhere.
“I had several opportunities after my PhD to teach in some of these countries, but I said I would not be in somebody’s country where I would be treated as a second-class citizen. I will come and serve my country,” he said.
Prof. Gyampo’s remarks come amid renewed public debate over the continued stay of former government officials outside Ghana and growing calls for them to return home to cooperate with investigations linked to their time in office.
