'Show the same energy you used to reject his dismissal' – Afrifa tells Akufo-Addo on Ofori-Atta

Ghanaian media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has criticised former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the ongoing extradition process involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

According to Okatakyie, during President Akufo-Addo’s tenure, he resisted calls to allow Ofori-Atta to resign or be removed from office, despite sustained pressure from numerous individuals, including the then Majority caucus in Parliament.

Speaking on his programme “For the Records” on Monday, January 12, 2026, Okatakyie urged the former President to demonstrate the same resolve he used to protect Ofori-Atta while in office, this time to ensure his return to Ghana to face justice.

He argued that Ofori-Atta’s continued absence is tarnishing the image of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and reinforcing public perceptions of corruption.

“If Ofori-Atta does not come to clear the air, it would mean people will conclude that he is a thief and that NPP members are also thieves. With the greatest respect, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, you cannot allow your brother to be hiding under the pretence of sickness.

“In politics, perception is important and people already think the NPP is corrupt. So, allow your brother to come back. President, the same energy you used to refuse to sack Ofori-Atta or allow him to resign, despite pressure from Parliament, use that same power to bring him back,” he said.

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Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah stated that allowing the former Finance Minister to account for his actions would help restore public confidence and prevent further damage to the party’s reputation.

Meanwhile, Ken Ofori-Atta has been charged with corruption and corruption-related offences in connection with the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal.

The government has formally requested his extradition from the United States to face the charges.

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