Matthew Nyindam, the Member of Parliament for Kpandai (NPP), has emphasized the need for due process in the case of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Speaking on the matter, he stressed that while accountability is crucial, legal procedures must be followed appropriately.
“We will not position ourselves to protect former appointees from accountability. Whoever has to account must do so. However, due process must be followed,” he stated in an interview on Joy Prime monitored by MyNewsGH.
Nyindam questioned the Special Prosecutor’s decision to declare Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive when he had already informed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that he was out of the country on medical grounds.
“If the OSP knows where Ken Ofori-Atta is, does he have the right to declare him wanted? When do we say someone is wanted? In this country, courts declare people wanted when they jump bail or evade arrest. Does Ken Ofori-Atta fall into that category?” he asked.
He also argued that the OSP could proceed with prosecution without Ofori-Atta’s physical presence. “Does the law stop the OSP from proceeding without his input? If he is unavailable, does it prevent the OSP from preparing a docket and taking the matter to court?”
Nyindam raised concerns about the alleged raid at Ken Ofori-Atta’s residence by security personnel. “The OSP has said he knows nothing about it and even described it as staged. So, who is behind it? Is there another body investigating him outside the OSP?”
While reiterating the minority’s commitment to fighting corruption, he urged authorities to avoid media sensationalism. “Trials are not done in the media. Public opinion is strong, but it is different from the law court. Anyone found guilty of misconduct must be dealt with, but the right processes must be followed.”
When asked if he believed the OSP had a personal vendetta against Ken Ofori-Atta, he dismissed the idea. “I don’t know the OSP personally, nor his relationship with Ken. But he was appointed under the same government to fight corruption. We support his work, but it must be done fairly.”
Nyindam concluded by emphasizing that Ghana must learn from past mistakes. “If we say we are resetting the country, then we must do things differently in ways that benefit the people.”
