Veteran journalist and former Managing Editor of The Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, says he feels sorry for former, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta for staying away from Ghana while serious allegations hang over him.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana in an interview with Moro Awudu, Mr Pratt said the former minister’s decision not to return to the country to defend himself was regrettable, adding that illness should not be used to avoid due process.
Mr Pratt questioned the claim that prostate cancer made it impossible for Mr Ofori-Atta to face investigations in Ghana.
He described the condition as common among older men and said many professionals, including judges, live and work with it.
According to him, the situation has placed the former finance minister in a difficult position, one where he is unable to clear his name before the courts.
“I feel sorry for him because he cannot come to defend himself against the allegations that have been made against him,” Mr Pratt said.
“That is not a good place for anyone to be.”
he veteran journalist also rejected suggestions that the judicial system in Ghana could not guarantee a fair hearing.
He argued that the courts have largely remained the same over the years and noted that many judges currently serving were appointed during the same administration Mr Ofori-Atta served.
Mr Pratt said the credibility of the courts had not changed significantly and insisted that anyone facing allegations should submit to the legal process rather than remain outside the country.
Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister under the New Patriotic Party administration, is facing multiple allegations related to his time in office.
He has been cited as staying in the United States for medical reasons.
Reports indicate that the former minister was recently detained by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, in connection with his stay in the country.
