Martin Amidu Warns Ken Ofori Atta Against Returning to Ghana Over Ongoing Investigations

Former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu has advised former Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta not to return to Ghana to face ongoing investigations and possible prosecution, despite advice from his lawyers.

In a strongly worded statement cited by ibynews.com, Amidu described the investigations as a political witch hunt, which he said has become disturbing.

He alleged that President John Dramani Mahama is using state institutions to target political opponents for future political gain, with Ofori Atta being made the central figure of the case.

Amidu, who is a former Attorney General and Minister for Justice, said it would be unwise for Ofori Atta to return voluntarily under the current circumstances.

“Ken Ofori-Atta must be an idiot if, after advice from his lawyers, both national and international, he voluntarily returns to Ghana to subject himself to investigation and possible prosecution after the government machinery was used at taxpayers’ expense to mount a consistent trial in the court of public opinion (instead of in a court of law) of alleged suspected corruption and corruption-related offences against him. The case of Diezani Alison-Madueke, who got justice in the United Kingdom, not Nigeria, is a guide,” he wrote.

He also argued that Ghana’s constitutional protections on human rights apply to everyone, including public officials under investigation.

“The provisions of the 1992 Constitution on the fundamental human rights and freedoms guarantee everybody in Ghana expansive rights and freedoms to life, liberty, human dignity, equality and freedom from discrimination, protection of home and property, fair trial, and the general fundamental freedoms.

“Ordinary citizens and public office holders of whatever rank are equally guaranteed these rights and freedoms when it comes to the investigation and prosecution of crime. The Constitution treats crime as crime for everybody: it prohibits political crime for public office holders and crime for other citizens,” he said.