Try Ofori-Atta without him': Oquaye Jnr backs trial in absentia

A member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mike Oquaye Jnr, has said former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta can be tried in absentia if prosecutors have sufficient evidence to proceed with a case against him.

Speaking on TV3's Key Points programme on Saturday, Mr Oquaye said the former minister's physical presence was not necessary for prosecutors to pursue criminal proceedings.

"If you have a case against him, do so," he said, arguing that the role of an accused person is to defend himself rather than assist prosecutors in building their case.

"He should be tried in absentia. The man says his medical condition is not allowing him to come to Ghana. We can try Ofori-Atta in absentia; we don't even need Ofori-Atta," he added.

The comments come amid ongoing debate over attempts by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to secure the former minister's return to face a number of criminal allegations linked to his tenure in office.

Political analyst Senyo Hosi also weighed in on the matter, criticising reported comments by a United States court concerning criminal proceedings against Mr Ofori-Atta in Ghana.

"I find it scandalous that a foreign court will be pontificating about our justice system. If we do that, will they be happy?" Mr Hosi said.

He stressed that public officials must remain accountable for their actions while in office.

"Accountability is constitutional. Ghanaians deserve transparency and respect for the constitutional promise of accountability and probity," he said.

The debate follows claims by Mr Ofori-Atta's legal team that a US immigration court, in granting his application for lawful permanent residency, considered issues relating to the criminal investigations against him in Ghana.

In a statement, his lawyers said the court approved his Green Card application after hearing evidence related to actions taken by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor, including its earlier decision to declare him a fugitive from justice while he was receiving medical treatment in the United States.

The legal team further claimed that the court found the criminal charges against the former minister "not credible", although the ruling was primarily concerned with whether he met the legal requirements for adjustment of immigration status.

One of his lawyers, Frank Davies, said the proceedings examined the circumstances surrounding the investigations and charges facing the former minister, including efforts by Ghanaian authorities to secure his return.

Mr Ofori-Atta faces a number of criminal allegations in Ghana relating to suspected financial irregularities, including claims that a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited caused significant financial losses to the state.

The OSP began steps towards securing an INTERPOL Red Notice against him in 2025 after he allegedly failed to honour invitations for questioning. The notice was later removed by INTERPOL.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor has maintained that it is acting within its legal mandate and continues to pursue the case through established judicial processes.