Deputy National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Ako Gunn, has issued a cautionary statement to former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, regarding his pending legal encounter with the state.
Ako Gunn is urging the embattled former government appointee to be tactful in his dealings with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to protect his image from being tarnished.
He made this statement during a panel discussion on Monday, June 2, 2025, on Angel TV and Angel 102.9 FM regarding the OSP’s threat to re-add Ken Ofori-Atta to its wanted list. This follows Mr Ofori-Atta’s he failure to meet the June 2, deadline to appear for investigations into alleged corruption-related offenses.
It could be recalled that the OSP removed Ken Ofori-Atta’s name from its wanted list over corruption-related matters after he cited health issues as the reason for not honoring the initial invitation and requested a rescheduled meeting.
After back-and-forth discussions, Mr. Ofori-Atta and the OSP agreed on June 2 as the new date. The OSP has threatened to re-list him if he fails to appear after this deadline.
Mr. Ako Gunn admonished the former Finance Minister to cooperate with the OSP within the legal framework to avoid a situation where the law would be strictly enforced against him.
“Ken Ofori-Atta said that due to his health conditions, he should be allowed to return in May. He later pleaded for an extension until June 2, when he would return to Ghana and liaise with the appropriate security agencies. But as of now, none of us knows whether he has landed in Ghana, is currently on a flight, or is yet to board one.
“So until he arrives, we cannot confirm whether he will appear or not. If he fails to show up, then the next step will be, if all persuasions fail…..,” Ako Gunn said in Twi.
He added that supposed Mr. Ofori-Atta needed a postponement, the best approach would have been to go through legal channels using his legal team, rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
“But if you, [Ken Ofori-Atta], wait for the OSP to hold several press conferences about you, then it raises questions about your willingness to cooperate,” he stated.
Mr. Ako Gunn, noting the complexity of the matter, explained that a trial could proceed while Mr. Ofori-Atta simultaneously attends to his health issues a scenario he suggested the former Finance Minister should embrace in the interest of smooth cooperation.
“I can’t advise Ken Ofori-Atta directly because he has lawyers and elder advisors who know the law better than I do. But there’s an adage that says, ‘How you lay your bed is how you will sleep.’
“So whether you choose to return and face the legal process or be dragged into it, because of your age, I believe you’ll be treated with a certain level of courtesy,” he noted.
Ako Gunn added, “however, if you allow yourself to be dragged, then unfortunately we may see a situation that will not be sweet as we ought to see.”
