Prosecute Ken Ofori-Atta or stop the talk – Alfred Thompson to NDC

A member of the New Patriotic Party communications team, Alfred Thompson, has challenged the governing National Democratic Congress to prosecute former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta if it believes he committed wrongdoing, insisting that media accusations and political rhetoric are not enough.

Speaking during a heated discussion on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV, Thompson told host Moro Awudu that the NDC must back its claims with action in court.

“If you believe Ken Ofori Atta has done wrong, start prosecuting him,” he said. “Empty rhetoric and media trials will not cut it. Take it to court with evidence or admit it is politics.”

Some NDC figures, including Theophilus Dzimegah Jnr., have accused Ofori-Atta of mismanagement and lack of transparency. The criticism persisted even after reports that his name was removed from an Interpol red notice.

Thompson, however, defended the former minister’s record. He said Ofori-Atta managed the economy through the COVID-19 pandemic, global shocks from the Russia-Ukraine war and inherited debt pressures, while securing IMF support and stabilising the cedi.

“The NDC inherited a recovering economy,” Thompson argued. “Now they are scrambling with excuses.”

He urged the government led by President John Dramani Mahama to focus on governance rather than political battles.

“They have the Special Prosecutor’s office and the courts. Use them,” he said.

Thompson also criticised the NDC’s flagship anti-corruption initiative, Operation Recover All Loot, widely known as ORAL. The programme was launched after the 2024 elections to retrieve alleged stolen state funds from officials of the previous administration.

“Not even a dollar has been recovered through ORAL,” Thompson said. “Months in, zero recoveries, no arrests of big fish. It is all noise to distract from their own failures.”

He questioned what tangible results the task force had achieved and challenged the government to show evidence of recovered assets.

“Show us the money or shut it down. Ghanaians want results, not revenge,” he added.

Beyond the corruption debate, Thompson said many Ghanaians are more concerned about rising economic pressures and unfulfilled campaign promises. He pointed to concerns in the cocoa sector and job creation pledges, saying people are still waiting for relief.

“Cocoa has reduced, people are crying for help and nothing has been answered,” he said. “They promised jobs for the youth, but instead they are always talking about Ken Ofori-Atta.”

Thompson maintained that while the President may be working, some members of his government are creating distractions instead of delivering on their mandate.

Story by Nana Akua Amponsah || Metro Digital