A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) communication team in the Bono Region, Gideon Cheremeh Amoah, has sharply criticised former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, accusing him of damaging the image of the party by refusing to appear and clear his name over allegations of corruption against him.

Speaking on the Ghana Nkommo socio-political Show with Akua Nyarko Abronoma in Sompa FM in Sunyani, Sir Amoah said repeated calls for Ofori-Atta to step aside as finance minister when the party was in power were ignored, despite pressure from both the public and the party’s own ranks.

“Many Ghanaians asked him to resign, but he refused. More than 80 NPP Members of Parliament, including the party itself, petitioned him to resign, and he still refused,” Amoah stated.

He further recalled that during Ofori-Atta’s nomination for a second term as Finance Minister, concerns were raised about his health, leading to delays in his assumption of office while the position was held open for his return.

“What exactly has he done that people want him to come and clear himself, yet he keeps refusing?” Amoah questioned. “Now, every mention of this issue is dragging the name of the NPP through the mud.”

According to Amoah, Ofori-Atta’s conduct in the matter appears to be reinforcing public suspicions rather than dispelling them.

“They asked him to come and vindicate himself over what people are saying about him, and he is still refusing. By his conduct and character on this issue, he is proving to people that they may be right,” he said.

Amoah also referenced claims that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declared Ofori-Atta medically fit to travel.

“They say he is fit enough to travel by airplane, so I don’t understand why he will not show up. He is allowing the NPP to get a bad name, and that is not good for the party,” he added.

While acknowledging that Ofori-Atta is an individual, Amoah stressed that his actions have broader implications because he served in government under the NPP.

“He came to serve in the capacity as finance minister under the NPP when we were in power. This is the time for the NPP to wake up. “Either we dissociate ourselves from the case in court, or we engage him directly and resolve this matter.”

The comments add to growing internal and public debate over the former finance minister’s role and the impact of the controversy on the opposition party as it seeks to rebuild its image ahead of future elections.

Sompaonline.com/Derrick Djan