Political Science lecturer at the University of Ghana, Professor Ransford Gyampo, has advised former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana to face persecution.

According to Prof Gyampo, Ofori-Atta’s safety and dignity would be better guaranteed in Ghana, where political disagreements rarely degenerate into personal victimisation.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, January 24, Prof Gyampo said if Ofori-Atta is indeed considering returning, he should not be deterred by fears of political persecution, noting that Ghana’s political culture promotes peaceful coexistence despite partisan differences.

“Well, if truly people close to him are telling us that he wants to come, then I do not expect him to use that as an excuse that he may face political persecution,” he said. “He is well aware of that kind of culture in Ghana that keeps us together even when we disagree… where a man can be NPP, a woman NDC, and they peacefully coexist. I’m thinking that his interest will be better protected if he comes to his country,” he stated.

He further urged Ofori-Atta and Sedinam Tamakloe, who are both facing legal and investigative processes, to return home and submit themselves to the appropriate authorities.

“In these countries, even when you haven’t done anything wrong, look at the way they treat you,” Prof Gyampo said, sharing a personal experience to illustrate his point. “I had several opportunities after my PhD to teach in some of these countries, but I said I would not be in somebody’s country where I would be treated as a second-class citizen. I will come and serve my country.”

Prof Gyampo described Ofori-Atta’s reported treatment abroad as unfortunate and embarrassing for Ghana.

“For me, it is an embarrassment to Ghana for our former finance minister to be subjected to that kind of inhuman treatment,” he added.

His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the former minister’s stay outside the country and growing calls for him and other former officials, including Sedinam Tamakloe, to return to Ghana to face investigations related to their time in office.