The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a scathing critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the current government, denouncing their recent actions as a blatant disregard for due process and a dangerous precedent for Ghana’s democratic principles. At the heart of the NPP’s condemnation is the OSP’s pursuit of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, which the party describes as “unreasonable” and “inhumane.” NPP National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, detailed a series of events that paint a picture of an overzealous prosecution seemingly unconcerned with established legal procedures and basic human decency. The NPP contends that Ofori-Atta, currently in the United States for essential medical treatment, has been unfairly targeted and subjected to an aggressive campaign of harassment.
Nana B meticulously outlined a timeline of events starting from January 2, 2025, when Ofori-Atta informed the then-Chief of Staff of his travel for a medical follow-up in the United States. This communication, including contact details, was reiterated on January 22, 2025, to the new Chief of Staff, reaffirming Ofori-Atta’s willingness to cooperate with any state inquiry despite being abroad for medical reasons. When the OSP summoned Ofori-Atta on January 24, 2025, his legal team promptly responded, explaining his medical situation and assuring the OSP that they would be informed of his return date once his treatment was completed. Despite this transparent communication and subsequent confirmation from the Mayo Clinic regarding Ofori-Atta’s appointments and potential surgery, the OSP demanded his immediate return, threatening further legal action. The NPP argues that the OSP’s insistence on Ofori-Atta’s immediate return, despite documented medical necessities, demonstrates a callous disregard for his health and fundamental rights.
The situation escalated drastically on February 11, 2025, when a contingent of armed police, military personnel, and unidentified plainclothes operatives raided Ofori-Atta’s residence. This dramatic action, vividly captured on video, has been condemned by the NPP as a gross overreaction and a violation of due process. The presence of Richard Jakpa, an individual previously associated with a high-profile trial, further raises concerns about the motivation and impartiality of the raid. The NPP argues that this forceful intrusion into Ofori-Atta’s home, in his absence and while under medical care abroad, constitutes a clear breach of his rights and sets a worrying precedent for the arbitrary use of power.
The NPP’s criticism extends beyond the OSP’s handling of the Ofori-Atta case to encompass a broader government directive nullifying public service appointments made after December 7, 2024. Nana B characterized this directive as “poorly conceived, illegal, and profoundly damaging,” arguing that it undermines the integrity of the public service sector and unfairly impacts Ghanaians who secured their positions through established legal procedures. He emphasized that these appointments were not mere political favors but jobs earned through a rigorous process involving technical clearance by the Public Services Commission and financial clearance by the Ministry of Finance. The NPP contends that the retroactive cancellation of these appointments disregards administrative justice and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of Ghanaians.
The NPP warns that the revocation of these appointments could have far-reaching negative consequences, including mass unemployment, financial hardship for families, and a chilling effect on young professionals considering public service careers. Furthermore, the NPP argues that the government’s actions expose it to potential lawsuits for unlawful termination of contracts. The party asserts that these appointments are legally binding agreements, and the government’s unilateral decision to nullify them constitutes a breach of contract. This, they contend, could lead to costly legal battles and further erode public trust in the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
The NPP’s strong condemnation of the OSP and the government’s actions reflects a deeper concern about the perceived erosion of due process and the rule of law in Ghana. The party argues that the pursuit of Ofori-Atta, coupled with the mass revocation of public service appointments, demonstrates a troubling trend towards arbitrary exercise of power and disregard for established legal procedures. They contend that this not only undermines the rights of individuals but also jeopardizes the integrity of Ghana’s democratic institutions and creates a climate of uncertainty and fear. The NPP calls for a thorough investigation into these matters and urges the government to uphold the principles of due process and respect the rights of all citizens.
