By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave.
Associate President of Ghana Watch Initiative, Dr. Kwaku Adu Boahen, has stated that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta‘s decision to remain abroad amid corruption allegations is making it seem like he is guilty of the charges against him.
“Ken Ofori-Atta is making it look like he has actually committed the crimes he is being charged with. He is setting a bad precedent for the youth,” Dr. Adu Boahen noted.
Speaking on TV3 New Day on Monday, January 19, 2026, Dr. Adu Boahen urged Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and clear his name, saying his prolonged absence sets a bad precedent for young Ghanaians.
Ofori-Atta and his legal team have said he is in the U.S. for medical reasons and that his stay is part of ongoing court proceedings related to his visa status.
Dr. Adu Boahen questioned why Ofori-Atta would not face scrutiny if he is indeed innocent.
Ken Ofori-Atta faces 78 charges related to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract and is currently being detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over visa issues.
The Ghanaian government is pushing for Ofori-Atta’s extradition.
