Associate President of the Ghana Watch Initiative, Dr. Kwaku Adu Boahen, has stated that public officials must be prepared to account for their stewardship the moment they assume office, especially when entrusted with managing the nation’s finances.
According to him, anyone who takes responsibility for protecting public funds and controlling Ghana’s finances must equally be ready to face scrutiny when the time for accountability comes, rather than evading it.
Dr. Adu Boahen’s comments follow the reported refusal of former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, to return to Ghana to account for his tenure. He said it is baffling that Mr. Ofori-Atta would avoid facing accountability at home while allegedly enduring harassment, including detention, in the United States.
He questioned why the former minister would choose to remain outside Ghana when his parents and family reside in the country, describing the situation as unnecessary and damaging.
Reacting to claims by lawyers for Mr. Ofori-Atta that their client is being subjected to political witch-hunting, Dr. Adu Boahen dismissed the argument, stating that if wrongdoing is suspected, investigations must proceed without fear or favor. “If there are witches, then they must be haunted,” he remarked.
Dr. Adu Boahen further disclosed that he comes from a New Patriotic Party (NPP) background and has no intention of distancing himself from the party. However, he stressed that party loyalty should not override national interest.
He called on Mr. Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and account for his stewardship, insisting that transparency and accountability are essential not only for the country but also for the credibility and future of the NPP.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku