Today, shocking news emerged: Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, is reportedly the subject of an outstanding warrant for his arrest and extradition to Ghana. He was scheduled to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor to answer questions regarding his role in the country’s recent $3 billion debt default. Instead, he failed to show up, a decision that raises serious concerns.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is being investigated in connection with alleged fraudulent financial activities during his time in office. These include the controversial and failed National Cathedral project, which consumed substantial public funds, and questionable expenditures such as the ordering of spare parts for ambulances. His absence from legal proceedings is telling, and as of now, his whereabouts are unknown. The matter has escalated to the point where Interpol is being called upon to assist in locating and bringing him to justice.
Why does this matter to me personally? Because Ghana has always held a special place in my heart. Like most people, we grew up with little to nothing, and yet, with hope and aspiration from the nation we called home. Even as a child in elementary school, I felt a strong sense of patriotism and affinity for the country. The more I reflect, the more I realize how blessed our Ghana truly is, with rich resources, a vibrant culture, and resilient people. And yet, despite these blessings, poverty continues to grip the nation firmly.
Our youth, most of them bright, educated, and full of potential are walking the streets jobless across the nation, clutching degrees that offer them little opportunity. Some have lost all hope. Our infrastructure is crumbling, and our roads are in deplorable conditions. Meanwhile, those we elect every four years to lead us have often enriched themselves at the nation’s expense, are rarely held accountable for their actions.
But this time is different-not business as usual. The youth are awake and alert. Some have nothing but time. They are willing and able to livestream and upload everything in the nation for the world to see. Indeed, this time is different.
Mr. Ofori-Atta may be innocent; Ghana is a nation of laws, at least in theory. Innocent until proven guilty. So the truth must be established through due process. But at the very least, he must appear before the legal authorities and answer the questions posed to him. If he has nothing to hide, he should not run and in a hide out. And if he is guilty, I pray he will not go down alone. He must not be made a scapegoat for a broader system of corruption. I pray he brings his cohorts with him as he goes down.
This moment feels different. This is a new Ghana, and I like and am proud of it. A Ghana where accountability is no longer optional. A Ghana where, if you steal from the people, you must face the consequences. To steal from Ghana is to show blatant hatred toward her progress.
Just think about it, we all have families in Ghana. We cannot all secure visas, pack, and leave. We must build a better Ghana for ourselves, for those who live within its borders, and for the generations to come. This is a fight worth fighting.
May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong.
I remain your pal,
Ronnie Law
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