Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has hailed the detention of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in the United States, describing it as a step toward accountability, but cautioned that the public should refrain from celebrating until the legal process is fully concluded.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, January 8, Kpebu admitted feeling “a bit of excitement” over the news, but stressed that accountability is a journey, not a single verdict.
“Accountability doesn’t only happen when a person is finally convicted,” he explained, highlighting the importance of recognising each step toward justice.
He pointed out that Ofori-Atta’s significant investments in the United States complicate matters, making the path to full accountability anything but straightforward.
“He has invested in America, and the U.S. economy thrives on foreign investment. It’s not a walk in the park to bring Ofori-Atta down,” Kpebu said, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead.
Despite the cautious optimism, Kpebu underscored that detention alone does not signify the conclusion of justice.
“At least the fact that he is in custody increases accountability,” he said. “But we cannot celebrate yet until the plane finally lands, and he is handed over. Until then, anything can happen. The detention alone doesn’t mean much.”
Background
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta was detained on January 7 by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over immigration-related matters, his lawyers have confirmed.
In a public notice issued the same day, Ghana-based law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline and Partners (MPOBB) clarified that the action by ICE was not connected to any criminal allegations, but rather to questions surrounding Mr Ofori-Atta’s immigration status in the United States.
According to the statement, Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending petition for adjustment of status, a lawful process under U.S. immigration regulations that permits an individual to remain in the country beyond the expiry of an initial visa while the application is under review.
The law firm further disclosed that Mr Ofori-Atta’s U.S. legal team is actively engaging with immigration authorities, expressing confidence that the matter will be resolved through established legal procedures.
The lawyers also stressed that the former finance minister is fully cooperating with U.S. immigration officials and remains a law-abiding individual, urging the public to remain calm as the issue is procedural and expected to be settled expeditiously through legal channels.
The detention adds to the legal woes the former finance minister is currently facing.
He is among eight persons facing 78 counts of alleged corruption in relation to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The charges reportedly include alleged breaches of Section 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and Section 92(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
Inside the Virginia Detention Centre holding Ofori-Atta