'Too much political theater' - Kwesi Pratt on Ofori-Atta legal standoff

Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has criticised what he describes as unnecessary “drama” surrounding the legal issues of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

He argued that Ghana’s laws already provide a clear path forward, as individuals can be tried in absentia, questioning why authorities and political actors have allowed the situation to escalate.

Where has the Minority been all these years - Kwesi Pratt fumes over call for Ablakwa’s removal

“The fact that our laws allow trial in absentia so, what is all this drama and so on? If Mr Ofori-Atta would not come, go ahead and try him in absentia. So, what is the drama about? I don't understand what is happening,” he said on Metro TV on January 21, 2026.

According to him, the unfolding events amount to political theatre on all sides, a development he says is inappropriate for a matter of such national importance.

“There's so much drama and I think a lot of it is political theater and both on the side of Mr Ofori-Atta himself and those who support him, and also those on the other side, there seems to be too much political theater and I'm not comfortable with political theater in matters such as this,” Pratt stated.

While acknowledging that questions may exist regarding the former finance minister’s conduct, Kwesi Pratt maintained that the proper forum for resolving such issues is the court.

“Clearly, there may be questions that he has to answer. Indeed, there are questions that he has to answer. If he won't be here to answer, take it before a judge.

“Let a judge make a determination as to whether indeed there have been violations of the laws of this country and if there have been violations of the laws of this country, apply the penalty. I just don't understand why there's so much drama around this case… To be honest, I'm getting increasingly worried about all the drama. All the drama is totally unnecessary,” he queried.

He also dismissed claims that Ofori-Atta would face humiliation if he returned to Ghana, arguing that arrest and bail are standard legal procedures.

“If I were Mr Ofori-Atta, I would have returned to Ghana because the circumstances in Ghana today will show that he would arrive at the airport, he probably would be put under arrest and being put under arrest is not humiliation. He would be put under arrest.

“He would be given all the necessary conditions for bail and then he would get his bail and he would go home and rest like all his other colleagues who are facing similar processes go home,” he indicated.

Pratt warned that the case could drag on for years due to Ofori-Atta’s resources and access to top legal representation.

He concluded by questioning the rationale behind the continued impasse.

'You have no right to warn me!' - Bernard Mornah claps back at Frank Davies in Ofori-Atta detention saga

“This case can drag for 10 years or more given the fact that Mr Ofori-Atta appears to have substantial resources at his disposal. We can hire the best lawyers, his lawyers can play the legal game in court and so on and this case can drag for 8 - 10 years and so on during which period, he will still be enjoying some measure of respect and freedom and so on. I cannot understand why there is this standoff, him refusing to come and all the drama and so on,” he concluded.

MAG/EB

Hopeson Adorye makes appearance at Arise Ghana picket against Ofori-Atta



Arise Ghana pickets at the US Embassy to demand Ofori-Atta’s return