Parliament witnessed sharp exchanges after reports emerged that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta had obtained permanent residency in the United States. Majority members, led by Mahama Ayariga, accused Ofori-Atta of abandoning Ghana and questioned the opposition’s earlier assurances that he would be held accountable for his stewardship.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin strongly rejected the attacks, insisting that Parliament must not be used as a platform to malign individuals who are not present to defend themselves. He argued that Ofori-Atta, like any citizen, is entitled to fairness and due process.
“We cannot bring Ken Ofori-Atta’s name here when the man is not here to defend himself and make serious allegations against him,” Afenyo-Markin said. “He is a human being like you, a citizen like you. He also has children. He has his family. Be fair.”
Afenyo-Markin reminded the House of previous incidents where Ofori-Atta was targeted with placards and repeated accusations, describing such actions as unjustified. He emphasized that if the Majority believes they have evidence of wrongdoing, the proper avenue is the courts, not parliamentary debate.
“If you think that you have all your evidence, the court is yours… but don’t use this Parliament to launch an attack on Ken Ofori-Atta. He came to serve. If you have any issues with his service, deal with it,” he added.
The Minority Leader’s defense shifted the focus of the debate to the principle of fairness, underscoring that Parliament’s role is to deliberate on national issues rather than scapegoat individuals who are not present to respond.
