President John Dramani Mahama has called on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and face the legal processes surrounding the investigations involving him.

Speaking on the process of extraditing fugitives during his Resetting Ghana Tour in the Volta Region today, Mr. Mahama explained that bringing a person back from another country is a legal matter that must follow international procedures and respect the rights of the individual.

He noted that extradition can only take place if Ghana has an extradition treaty with the country where the individual is staying.

According to him, the requesting country must file an application, after which the person has the right to challenge the request before a judge.

“The person has the right to take a lawyer, go before a judge, and if he doesn’t want to come, he can argue against coming,” the President stated.

Mr. Mahama disclosed that the Attorney General’s Department has already filed an extradition application and is submitting additional documents requested by the relevant authorities.

He added that the matter will eventually be determined by an American judge, who will decide whether Mr. Ofori-Atta should be returned to Ghana.

The President appealed directly to the former Finance Minister to return voluntarily.

Recalling events during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s tenure in office, Mr. Mahama referred to a period when more than 80 Members of Parliament from the then governing New Patriotic Party called for his removal.

He noted that the former minister had responded by saying he was like a father who could not abandon his children.

Drawing on that statement, the President urged him to come back to Ghana.

“We are begging you, Father, come back. Your children are calling you to come back,” Mr. Mahama remarked.

He questioned why someone who believes he has done nothing wrong would leave the country, adding that the legal process should be allowed to take its course.

Mr. Mahama, however, stressed that the matter remains before the courts and will proceed according to the law.

By: Jacob Aggrey

President John Dramani Mahama has stated that the mandate given to him by Ghanaians is for one term, adding that his administration is focused on delivering on the promises made to the people.

Speaking during his ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’ in the Volta Region on Friday, July 17, President Mahama addressed the issue of the ongoing debate over a possible third term, the President maintained that his priority is to fulfil his campaign commitments rather than speculate about another term in office.

“The people of Ghana gave me a mandate for one term, and I am working hard to meet the promises I made them,” he stated. He added that he constantly reminds his ministers to “number our days” so they remain focused on delivering results before the end of their time in office.

Mr. Mahama acknowledged that some individuals have gone to the Supreme Court to seek an interpretation of the constitutional provisions governing the tenure of the President.

He indicated that seeking the court’s interpretation is within their rights but expressed the view that the constitutional provision is already clear.

“If you ask my personal opinion, I believe it is clear. I’ve read it several times, and it says exactly what it means,” the President remarked.

He reiterated that, in his view, Ghanaians have given him one additional term and stressed that he intends to use that period to honour the trust placed in him by the electorate.

By: Jacob Aggrey