Arise Ghana Petitions US Government on Return of Former Finance Minister

Accra, Jan. 23, GNA – Pressure group Arise Ghana has petitioned the United States Government, urging it to facilitate the return of Mr. Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, former Minister of Finance, to Ghana to respond to matters arising within the country’s constitutional and legal frameworks.

The petition was presented on Friday by Mr. Bernard Mornah, Lead Convener of Arise Ghana, and was received by the United States Ambassador to Ghana on behalf of US President Donald Trump, after a week-long picketing exercise by the group at the US Embassy in Accra.

Presenting the petition, Mr. Mornah said Arise Ghana was acting on behalf of concerned citizens who were calling for transparency, accountability and respect for the rule of law in the management of public affairs.

He noted that the petition was not motivated by prejudice or any presumption of guilt, but was anchored on Ghana’s democratic values, constitutionalism, and commitment to due process.

According to the petition, the presence of Mr. Ofori-Atta is being sought by relevant state institutions to address issues arising within established legal and accountability mechanisms.

Arise Ghana underscored the long-standing bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States, founded on shared democratic values, good governance, mutual respect for sovereignty, and cooperation in matters of justice and institutional accountability.

The group, therefore, appealed to the United States Embassy, within the bounds of its diplomatic mandate and applicable international and domestic laws, to provide any assistance or guidance that could support efforts aimed at facilitating the return of Mr. Ofori-Atta to Ghana.

As a demonstration of good faith, Arise Ghana announced the temporary suspension of its intended indefinite picketing for one week, to allow time for consideration of the petition by the United States Government.

However, the group stated that it reserved the right to resume the picketing should there be no progress after the period, adding that its actions were consistent with precedents of cooperation between Ghana and the United States in facilitating the return of citizens to face lawful processes.

The petition concluded with assurances of Arise Ghana’s respect for the Government and people of the United States, and appreciation for the country’s continued support for democratic governance, accountability and institutional integrity in Ghana.

Source:Joseph Kobla Wemakor