The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has dismissed allegations leveled against former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, by the Attorney General, stating that the party will only accept such claims if they are proven in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Kessben FM’s Maakye show with host Kojo Preko Dankwah, the Vice Chairman and Acting National Chairman of the NPP, Danquah Smith Buttey, described the claims against Mr. Ofori-Atta as mere allegations until a final court ruling is delivered.
According to Chairman Buttey, the Attorney General does not have the authority to declare individuals guilty without due judicial process, stressing that Ghana’s constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence.
“The fact that you are an Attorney General does not give you the power to judge people before they go to court,” he stated.
Chairman Buttey further alleged that the Attorney General has, on several occasions, made accusations against members of the NPP which later turned out to be false, warning that such actions risk undermining public trust in the justice system.
While admitting that Ken Ofori-Atta’s failure to appear before investigative bodies could have negative implications for the party, Chairman Buttey maintained that the NPP would not be swayed by public commentary or media trials.
“We will only accept these allegations if Ken Ofori-Atta is proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” he reiterated.
The NPP Chairman also criticised the Attorney General’s performance, describing him as underperforming and failing to work diligently. He accused the Attorney General of making excessive public comments on cases rather than allowing the courts to independently adjudicate matters.
Chairman Buttey went further to describe the Attorney General as a “serial caller,” accusing him of damaging reputations and giving individuals bad names in the course of attempting to prosecute them.
He concluded by urging the Attorney General to respect due process and allow the judiciary to perform its constitutional role without interference.
