Frank Davies Defends Ken Ofori-Atta’s Absence, Asserts Former Finance Minister Will Return to Face Corruption Charges in “Own Good Time”

Frank Davies, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, has dismissed public pressure regarding the absence of Ken Ofori-Atta, stating the former Finance Minister will return to Ghana “in his own good time.” Speaking at the NPP’s National Delegates Congress in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, Davies addressed the growing scrutiny surrounding Ofori-Atta, who has remained abroad while facing significant legal challenges at home. Davies emphasized that the former minister is not fleeing justice but is instead entitled to the same legal protections as any other citizen.

The former Finance Minister is currently the subject of intense legal scrutiny, facing 28 counts of corruption-related charges brought forward following investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). These charges are reportedly linked to controversial contracts involving the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) during his tenure. Despite the gravity of the allegations, Davies urged the public to refrain from pre-emptive condemnation, emphasizing that Ofori-Atta is entitled to the presumption of innocence and that the legal proceedings must follow due process without being rushed by political or public sentiment.

The timeline for Ofori-Atta's return has been further complicated by recent developments in the United States. It was revealed that the former minister secured a legal victory in a U.S. immigration court, successfully adjusting his status to that of a lawful permanent resident. This new legal standing in the U.S. provides Ofori-Atta with the right to reside there permanently, a factor that legal analysts suggest may impact the speed and nature of his return to Ghana to face the OSP’s prosecution.

As the political landscape continues to evolve under the current administration, the legal saga of one of the previous government's most prominent officials remains a point of intense national debate. While NPP leadership maintains a stance of procedural fairness and loyalty, the Office of the Special Prosecutor continues to signal its intent to pursue the 28 charges to their conclusion. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between political due process and the national demand for accountability regarding the management of public funds.