The Minister of State responsible for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has stated that government is fully aware of what he described as an indirect relationship between the Kissi Agyebeng and relatives of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu made the comments in response to claims that Mr Ofori-Atta is being unfairly targeted by the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration in what critics have described as a political witch-hunt.
Defence against claims of persecution
Speaking on Accra-based TV3, the government spokesperson argued that allegations of political persecution are inconsistent with the facts surrounding the prosecution.
He stressed that the investigation and prosecution are being carried out by an independent official who was appointed under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
According to him, it would be illogical for the current administration to persecute a former minister using an official who was appointed by, and is perceived to be close to, the same political and family circle.
“The person handling the prosecution was appointed by his cousin, former President **Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo,” Kwakye Ofosu said. “And we all know the NPP was never in the habit of appointing political opponents to such sensitive positions. We are also aware of his proximity to other family members, so on what grounds are they alleging persecution?”
Corruption charges and extradition move
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently facing 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences linked to a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). The charges were filed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
In a related development, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dominic Ayine, has confirmed that the government has submitted a formal extradition request to the United States Department of Justice to facilitate Mr Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana to face the charges.
Legal pushback and government response
Despite these developments, some legal practitioners and sections of the public have argued that the charges are politically driven.
Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team, led by international lawyer Enayat Qasimi, has claimed that the former finance minister is being denied rights guaranteed under Ghanaian law.
However, Mr Kwakye Ofosu firmly rejected that assertion, describing it as unfounded and misleading.
“That allegation is completely without basis and should be dismissed,” he said. “The government is not prosecuting Mr Ofori-Atta. The process is being conducted by the Special Prosecutor, who operates independently.”
Broader context
The case has become one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions in recent years and continues to generate intense public debate, particularly around issues of political neutrality, due process, and the independence of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions.
As legal proceedings unfold, attention remains focused on whether the prosecution can maintain public confidence amid persistent claims of political interference.
