The Director of Field Operations for the United Party, Hopeson Adorye, says former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has brought “disgrace” to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over his prolonged stay in the United States despite the need for his presence in Ghana to assist with a corruption probe.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM show on January 13, Mr Adorye criticised the former finance minister for leaving the country, suggesting his absence has damaged the party’s credibility.

“First and foremost, Ken has brought a disgrace to the NPP as a party. This is a party being accused of plotting corruption and all that. And the chief architect of the then government, the finance minister, decided to run away,” he said.

He questioned the length of Mr Ofori-Atta’s medical trip, noting that other government officials who sought treatment abroad for more serious conditions returned promptly.

“All government officials who embark on medical care abroad, do they spend more than one month? We had some who were severer than this. They are back. They are back in the country,” he added.

Mr Adorye also criticised the use of private jets for the treatment, describing it as excessive.

“If someone is taken away by private jets just to seek medical attention, is it not severe? Okay. He has brought disgrace to the party. It is better for him to come and clear his name so that that doubt, that tag that is on NPP, will be removed,” he said.

He further warned that Mr Ofori-Atta’s absence was affecting political discourse, particularly when it comes to accusations of corruption against the current government.

“Anywhere you stand to campaign, they will refer you to Ken Ofori-Atta. Mark it. And you will not have the courage to accuse the current government of corruption. You cannot. So long as Ken Ofori-Atta stays in the U.S.,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr Ofori-Atta has been detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after he was picked up over issues related to his immigration status.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United States, Victor Smith, has said ICE confirmed to him that Mr Ofori-Atta was medically fit to be held in a detention centre before he was admitted.