“Subject Yourself to Accountability” – Vanderpuye Urges Ofori-Atta

Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme, has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to subject himself to accountability, warning that avoiding scrutiny could have lasting consequences for both his reputation and legacy.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Thursday, April 9, Vanderpuye emphasised that individuals who hold public office have a duty to remain transparent to the citizens who entrusted them with authority and state resources.

“It is in his own interest, the interest of the party, and the family he belongs to, to subject himself to accountability,” he said, adding that public officials must be prepared to answer for their stewardship.

He criticised what he described as a growing trend among politicians to evade scrutiny, insisting that allegations of wrongdoing should be addressed directly rather than ignored. According to him, responding to public concerns is a fundamental responsibility of leadership.

Vanderpuye also warned that failure to account for one’s actions could have long-term implications. He stressed that avoiding accountability could affect not only the individual but also future generations.

His remarks follow Ofori-Atta’s recent release by immigration authorities in the United States after issues relating to his immigration status.

Despite the release, the former minister remains at the centre of multiple legal challenges, facing more than 70 criminal charges tied to corruption investigations in Ghana. One of the key allegations involves a contract awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Limited, which reportedly led to a financial loss of over GH¢1.4 billion to the state.

The Government of Ghana submitted a formal extradition request to the United States in February 2026, which authorities there have acknowledged.

Ofori-Atta, who served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo from 2017 to early 2024, is also under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor, led by Kissi Agyebeng. The office initiated steps in June 2025 to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice after he failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning, though the notice was later withdrawn.

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently seeking permanent residency in the United States as legal and diplomatic processes surrounding his case continue to unfold.