By Sarah Baafi
A member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal team, Noble Nelson Ademadewo Esq., has cast doubt on claims that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is willing to return to Ghana to face legal proceedings, arguing that circumstances surrounding his arrest in the United States point to an intention to evade accountability.
Speaking on GBC’s Current Agenda on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Mr. Noble questioned the credibility of statements made by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) suggesting that Mr. Ofori-Atta was ready to submit himself to investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
According to him, Mr. Ofori-Atta had formally notified authorities that he travelled to the United States for medical review at the Mayo Clinic and provided a specific residential address where he could be reached. Yet, contrary to those claims, he was arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at a location near a presidential palace, not at the address he had given.
“That fact alone should tell you this is someone who did not intend to return to Ghana,” Mr. Noble stated, adding that the arrest location raises serious questions about where the former minister was actually based while claiming openness to engagement with investigators.
Mr. Noble dismissed suggestions that the OSP could simply interview Mr. Ofori-Atta online, stressing that such claims were part of what he described as a broader attempt by the NPP to create the impression that the former minister was cooperative and unafraid of standing trial.
He further rejected arguments that Mr. Ofori-Atta fears persecution or unfair treatment if he returns, noting that Ghana’s constitutional safeguards remain firmly in place. He cited Articles 14 and 19 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantee personal liberty, due process, and the right to a fair trial.
“The same Constitution that allowed him to serve as Finance Minister for eight years is the same Constitution that requires him to account for his stewardship,” Mr. Noble said, questioning why concerns about judicial fairness were being raised now when Ghana’s courts and judiciary remain unchanged.
Mr. Noble also addressed claims that the NPP lacks the capacity to shield Mr. Ofori-Atta since the party is not in the United States. He argued that the “shielding” is taking place through public advocacy aimed at portraying the former minister as a victim rather than someone avoiding accountability.
On the issue of extradition, Mr. Noble disclosed that a U.S. judge handling Mr. Ofori-Atta’s immigration case has ordered the production of documents confirming an existing extradition request. He expressed confidence that the former minister would be repatriated to Ghana once the process is completed.
“All we are asking for is accountability,” he stressed. “If everything was done by the book, then there should be no fear. Just come and account.”
