A member of the legal team representing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has condemned what he describes as unfair and prejudicial comments made against his client, cautioning the public against rushing to judgment.
Frank Davies said remarks from certain political figures and pressure groups undermine Ghana’s democratic values and disregard due process.
“It is a sad reflection on our democracy, the rule of law, and the due process we claim to uphold as a country. Listening to Hopeson Adorye, one would think we should all simply restrain ourselves,” he said.
Mr Davies criticised statements branding Mr Ofori-Atta a thief, stressing that the former minister has neither been tried nor given the opportunity to defend himself in court.
“These are hurtful and pernicious remarks about someone who has not even spoken in court. Ken has not been tried, and he has had no chance to be heard,” he said.
He argued that such comments from a political party official like Hopeson Adorye justify concerns that Mr Ofori-Atta has already been condemned in the court of public opinion.
Mr Davies described the remarks as “prejudicial, unfair, and damaging,” insisting that allegations of theft or wrongdoing should only follow a legal determination.
He also criticised what he termed selective activism by certain pressure groups.
Referring to the ongoing protests by Arise Ghana at the U.S. Embassy over Mr Ofori-Atta’s absence, he questioned why similar pressure has not been applied in cases involving individuals already convicted by the courts.
“We were informed by Ambassador Smith that extradition proceedings are underway for former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu. Yet Hopeson Adorye and groups like Arise Ghana are not picketing the embassy over her return,” he said.
Mr Davies pointed out that Ms Tamakloe-Attionu has been tried and convicted of misappropriating state funds, yet attracts little public agitation from those vocally criticising Mr Ofori-Atta.
He described this disparity as “shameful,” accusing some actors in the public space of double standards and hypocrisy.
“This selectivity is disgraceful. It reflects double standards and hypocritical conduct,” he added.
