Our press conference on Ken Ofori-Atta was rushed – NPP’s Legal Affairs Director

The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has expressed a differing perspective on the party’s decision to hold a press conference in response to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) declaration of Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted fugitive.

The legal practitioner believes that the press conference was premature, questioning the factors that may have influenced the party’s decision to address the matter so hastily.

Nimako stated that had he been consulted for legal advice, which he was not, he would have provided a different opinion and advised against addressing the press.

“Looking at the dates on the letters, I hold the view that the timing was too short to have come to that conclusion. Nana B is also a lawyer, so maybe he proceeded based on his understanding of the matters available to him.

“I was not consulted on the press conference, and if I had been, I would have given a different opinion. Some of these matters require engagement and consultation before reacting,” he said during a phone-in interview on Neat FM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.

Gary Nimako further emphasised that the party should have consulted widely, sought legal advice, and allowed for ongoing investigations before making the rushed decision to hold a press conference.

He added that the case involving the former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, requires thorough deliberation and engagement among all parties involved rather than being fueled by drama and unnecessary rhetoric.

“I would have advised that the press conference should have been delayed pending further investigation and consultation. In certain cases, you don’t just react immediately. You must consult, ask questions from all parties involved, and come to a conclusion before proceeding.

“… This matter should not be surrounded by drama or excessive discussion but rather handled with calmness, engagement, and mutual understanding,” he continued.

The legal luminary further advised the legal representatives of the former minister to engage with the OSP and reach an agreement on a suitable date for their client to honor the invitation.

“Lawyers representing Ken Ofori-Atta should write to the OSP, proposing a suitable date for him to appear based on his availability. Given that he is seeking medical care, his doctors will determine when he is fit enough to honor the invitation,” he added.

NPP’s Press Conference

During its press conference, the NPP rejected the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) declaration that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is a fugitive, describing it as “unreasonable.”

At the press briefing held at the party’s headquarters on February 13, 2025, the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, vehemently condemned the OSP’s decision.

He stated, “Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta can never be a fugitive. He is not a fugitive, and he will never be a fugitive. The OSP got it wrong.”

MAG/MA