Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
Amid swirling political debate over the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) pursuit of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, legal practitioner and former presidential advisor Vickie Bright has called for a renewed focus on accountability and the rule of law in Ghana’s democratic governance.
Ms Bright, who served as Deputy Minister of State at the Presidency under President John Agyekum Kufuor, cautioned against interpreting law enforcement actions through a partisan lens, insisting that institutions like the OSP must be allowed to function independently if Ghana is to uphold constitutional integrity.
Her remarks come in the wake of a controversial Interpol Red Notice issued at the OSP’s request to locate and provisionally arrest Mr Ofori-Atta for allegedly failing to cooperate with corruption-related investigations.
While some factions within the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have decried the move as politically motivated, Ms Bright countered such claims by underscoring the legal rigor involved in issuing such notices.
“Interpol is not in the business of naming people casually,” she said, highlighting the procedural standards that must be met before a Red Notice is approved. “This is a serious matter, and it shouldn’t be trivialized.”
For Ms Bright, the issue at stake goes beyond individual reputations or political loyalties—it’s about institutional credibility and public trust. She emphasized that all public officeholders, regardless of party, must subject themselves to scrutiny once they assume control over public resources.
“You swore an oath and managed public finances for years. If you’re called to answer questions, then you must do so,” she stated.
Ms Bright was careful to avoid passing judgment on Mr Ofori-Atta’s guilt or innocence, stressing that her stance is rooted in a broader commitment to transparency and governance. “This is not about whether he’s corrupt; it’s about respecting due process,” she said.
She further dismissed suggestions that the Special Prosecutor is merely acting to safeguard his position. “He’s a professional lawyer. He doesn’t need this job to survive,” she remarked, calling such arguments a distraction from the real issue—corruption accountability.
Importantly, she noted that the OSP is not acting alone. “There are other security agencies interested in speaking with Mr Ofori-Atta. This isn’t an isolated move,” she said, pointing to a coordinated institutional effort.
