Awal Defends Ken Ofori-Atta, Dismisses ICE Matter as Unrelated to Ghana Case

A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Communications Team, Mohammed Awal, has weighed in on recent discussions surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, insisting that issues involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are unrelated to any legal matters in Ghana.

Speaking during an engagement on Kessben Maakye, Awal clarified that the situation in the United States concerns an alleged visa overstay and should not be linked to ongoing political narratives in Ghana.

According to him, “the release by ICE has nothing to do with his issues with Ghana. It is purely an immigration matter relating to overstaying his visa in the United States.”

Awal further accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of engaging in smear campaigns, claiming the party often resorts to defamation in its quest for political power.

He also addressed concerns about legal proceedings involving Ofori-Atta, stating that the former minister currently faces only one court case in Ghana. Awal criticized the government’s handling of corruption-related investigations, arguing that several individuals previously suspected over alleged corruption have not been prosecuted.

“Our laws allow for trials in absentia, yet the government has refused to pursue that route,” he said. “Instead, they rely on agencies like EOCO to detain individuals and demand substantial collateral, without successfully prosecuting any of the cases.”

Awal’s comments come amid heightened political debate over accountability and governance, with both major parties trading accusations ahead of upcoming electoral activities.