CHRAJ Commissioner Urges Ken Ofori-Atta to Return Home, Assures Protection of His Rights

The CHRAJ Commissioner, Joseph Whittal, has called on former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to return to Ghana to account for his stewardship of the country’s public finances, stressing that accountability in public office is not optional.

Speaking on January 23, Mr Joseph Whittal assured the former finance minister that his fundamental human rights would be protected should he return, adding that CHRAJ would not hesitate to intervene if due process is violated or if he is subjected to unfair treatment.

“Accountability is expected right from day one of your appointment,” the CHRAJ Commissioner said. “He should not be afraid. If his rights are violated, CHRAJ will speak for him. He must come home and account for the period he managed this country.”

Mr Joseph Whittal made the remarks when members of pressure group Arise Ghana paid a visit to the CHRAJ office to seek the Commission’s support in their demand for the return of Mr Ofori-Atta, who is currently in the United States.

According to the CHRAJ Commissioner, the management of public resources comes with a clear responsibility to explain decisions and actions taken while in office, noting that public accountability is “non-negotiable” in a democratic system.

Meanwhile, Arise Ghana has announced the temporary suspension of its ongoing picketing at the United States Embassy in Accra after formally submitting a petition to embassy officials. The group said the suspension would last one week to allow American authorities time to respond to the concerns raised in the petition.

The group has, however, warned that it will resume demonstrations if no official assurances or steps are taken to facilitate the return of the former finance minister to Ghana.

In a statement read to U.S. Embassy officials, the lead convener of Arise Ghana, Bernard Monarh, emphasized the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the United States, urging cooperation in upholding justice and accountability.

“Ghana and the United States share a long-standing and cordial relationship founded on diplomatic values, good governance, mutual respect for sovereignty, and cooperation in matters of justice and institutional accountability,” he said.

Mr Monarh added that facilitating lawful processes would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforce international standards of accountability.

Members of Arise Ghana began their picketing at the U.S. Embassy in Accra on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, demanding that Ken Ofori-Atta be returned to Ghana to face accountability over his tenure as finance minister. Protesters gathered outside the embassy holding placards and chanting slogans calling for justice without exception.

The demonstration continued for four consecutive days until Friday, when the group decided to suspend the action following the submission of their petition to embassy officials.

According to Arise Ghana, the protest was intended to draw public and international attention to what it describes as attempts by the former finance minister to evade accountability.

Speaking to the media during the protest, Mr Monarh alleged that Mr Ofori-Atta initially travelled to the United States for medical reasons but has since overstayed his visa.

“We all know that as of now, Ken Ofori-Atta is no longer sick. He went to the U.S. for medical attention, and now he has overstayed his visa,” he claimed. “When he was flagged for possible arrest, he went ahead to apply to be a permanent citizen of America.”

According to the group, these actions suggest that the former finance minister has no intention of returning voluntarily to Ghana to face justice.

Mr Monarh further revealed that although the group initially planned an indefinite demonstration, they reached an agreement with the Ghana Police Service to limit the duration of the protest.

“We agreed with the police to protest for two weeks. After the two weeks, we intend to begin a sleepover here until the U.S. authorities find the need to work with Ghanaian institutions to bring Ken Ofori-Atta back,” he said.

As pressure continues to mount from civil society groups and public accountability advocates, the call by the CHRAJ Commissioner adds an institutional voice to demands for the former finance minister’s return, while also offering assurances that his constitutional rights will be protected under Ghana’s legal framework.

CHRAJ Commissioner Urges Ken Ofori-Atta to Return Home, Assures Protection of His Rights