Lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has expressed concerns over the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) approach in declaring former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta wanted and activating an international warrant through Interpol.
Speaking on Joynews’ Newsfile show, Bentil advised Ofori-Atta not to return to Ghana, suggesting that the OSP should instead try him in absentia if they believe they have sufficient evidence.
“Our laws allow for someone to be tried in absentia. If Ken is not available, the Special Prosecutor should proceed to court and try him without his physical presence,” Bentil stated.
He questioned the necessity of declaring Ofori-Atta wanted, saying, “But declaring him wanted and placing him on an Interpol list gives the impression that he is already guilty, which violates the principle of ‘innocent until proven guilty’.”
Bentil emphasized that while he respects Ofori-Atta as a friend and mentor, the legal procedures used against him raise serious constitutional and human rights concerns.
“Ken gave me my first job and has been a strong influence in my career. But I cannot support everything he did in government. Still, I do not abandon my friends when things get tough. I respect him, and I will defend his personal character,” Bentil said.
“If I had to advise Ken as a brother, I would say, don’t come to Ghana now. Wait, let them try you. If you are convicted, we will take it from there,” he concluded.