A lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), Dr Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, has cautioned against what he described as excessive political noise surrounding the case of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
He argued that successful prosecution depends on due diligence, patience and adherence to legal processes rather than public pressure and political rhetoric.
Mr Ofori-Atta remains in federal custody in a case that now hinges on extradition evidence and strict legal deadlines, with the matter attracting intense public and political debate.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on Saturday, January 24, Dr Bomfeh stressed that the pursuit of justice must be guided by professionalism and respect for due process, rather than what he termed political “hollabaloo.”
“To get successful prosecution requires due diligence, patience, soberness, tact and diligence, not the political noise,” he said.
He criticised public commentary that, in his view, seeks to reduce the complex legal process to simplistic demands for the former minister to be physically present in Ghana.
He warned that such an approach misunderstands how justice systems operate.
“This hollabaloo — Ken must come, if he doesn’t come, as if we are disabled by law to get to justice,” Dr Bomfeh stated.
According to him, accountability should not be measured solely by whether a suspect is physically present but by whether legal processes are being properly followed and whether formal responses to charges have been submitted.
“The overall question is accountability. My understanding was that he is even represented by lawyers in this matter,” he noted.
Dr Bomfeh said the more important issues for the public and political actors should be whether the legal team has formally responded to the allegations and how those responses address the charges.
“And the question I am asking is, have they responded to the charges that have been levelled against him? Those are the issues that are to be of concern to us. And what are their responses?” he asked.
He further warned against portraying the exercise of constitutional rights as an attempt to evade justice, arguing that such framing undermines the principles of the rule of law.
“So why is it that we are making it as if, if that person is exercising his right under our very Constitution, then he is running away from accountability?” Dr Bomfeh queried.
The UPSA lecturer said public discourse should focus less on political posturing and more on strengthening institutions to ensure that investigations, prosecutions, and extradition processes are handled professionally and within the law.
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