Arise Ghana Sustains U.S. Embassy Picket, Intensifies Calls to “Bring Back Ken to Ghana”

Accra — January 21,2026 Pressure group Arise Ghana on Wednesday sustained its protest action at the United States Embassy in Accra, successfully staging Day Two of a picketing exercise demanding the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to face accountability over alleged financial impropriety.

The demonstration, held under the rallying call “Bring Back Ken,” attracted a large turnout and a charged atmosphere, with protesters chanting slogans and displaying placards directed at the U.S. Government, American law enforcement agencies, Ghanaian authorities, and the international media.

Speaking to journalists at the protest grounds, Bernard Mornah, Lead Convener of Arise Ghana, said the action reflects deep public frustration over what the group describes as selective justice.

“As a civic movement, Arise Ghana is demanding equal application of the law. We cannot build a just society when former public officials are perceived to be beyond accountability. Ken Ofori-Atta must be brought back to Ghana to respond to questions surrounding his stewardship of the nation’s finances,” he stated.

Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana and Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the SDGs (Youth), framed the protest within a broader governance and human rights context.

“Accountability is fundamental to democracy. When alleged financial mismanagement goes unaddressed, it weakens public trust and undermines citizens’ rights. This protest is about restoring confidence in state institutions,” he said.

For Selorm Dzramani Dramado, a member of Arise Ghana, the demonstration is a deliberate civic intervention aimed at both national and international stakeholders.

“This is a peaceful but firm call for justice. We want the world to know that Ghanaians are demanding accountability and transparency, without fear or favour,” he told reporters.

Co-Convener Marion Gifty Nyaaba highlighted the social consequences of alleged economic mismanagement, particularly on vulnerable groups.

“The economic crisis affected ordinary people the most—especially women and the youth. Accountability is necessary to ensure that such hardship is not repeated,” she explained.

Adding his voice, Prince Derek Adjei said the choice of the U.S. Embassy was strategic and intentional.

“If those we seek to hold accountable are outside our jurisdiction, then international cooperation becomes necessary. This picketing is to ensure the matter receives global attention,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Hopeson Adorye, Director of Field Operations of the United Party, emphasized the non-partisan nature of the action.

“This is not about party politics. It is about national accountability and justice. Until Ken Ofori-Atta is brought back to Ghana to answer questions, citizens will continue to demand action,” he declared.

Offering a contrasting perspective, Mr. Francis Kwasi Borklo, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), acknowledged the right to protest but urged adherence to due process.

“Peaceful demonstration is part of our democracy, but matters of extradition and prosecution must be handled strictly within the law. If there are credible allegations, the appropriate institutions must be allowed to work without prejudice or political pressure,” he said.

The picketing exercise began on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, and continued on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, following what Arise Ghana described as the lack of response to earlier appeals made at a press conference in Accra.

Arise Ghana has renewed its call on the Attorney-General, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to take decisive steps in addressing alleged financial scandals, stressing that democratic accountability must go beyond economic stabilization narratives.

The group maintains that the ongoing demonstration forms part of a broader civic campaign to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, insisting that sustained civic pressure is essential to ensure that no public official is above the law.