Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has indicated that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s continued stay outside Ghana has little to do with evading legal accountability and more to do with fears over how he may be handled by state institutions.
Speaking on TV3 on Saturday, January 17, 2026, Mr Bentil explained that Ofori-Atta’s hesitation is rooted in concerns about his personal safety, treatment by security agencies, and the fairness of the justice process—particularly in light of his fragile health condition.
According to Bentil, the former Finance Minister has undergone recent surgeries and is still recovering, making him apprehensive about the physical and procedural demands of legal proceedings in Ghana.
“This is not about fear of the charges,” Bentil clarified. “He is worried about how he will be treated. Ken Ofori-Atta is not above the law, but considering his health situation, he is understandably concerned about fairness and humane treatment.”
To address the impasse, Mr Bentil suggested that authorities consider legal alternatives, including the possibility of conducting proceedings in absentia, similar to the approach used in the case involving former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu.
“If the law permits the matter to proceed without his physical presence, that option should be explored,” he noted, adding that such an approach could speed up the process while easing the former minister’s concerns.
Beyond legal mechanisms, Bentil also called for constructive engagement between the government and Ofori-Atta to create conditions that would allow him to return voluntarily and safely.
He disclosed that individuals close to the former Finance Minister believe accounts provided by Ambassador Smith regarding his condition are credible, stressing that Ofori-Atta is willing to cooperate with the law.
“Ken wants to come back. He accepts that no one is above the law. The real issue is what arrangements can be made to guarantee his safety and enable him to take part in the legal process without risk,” Bentil concluded.
