Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has issued a strong challenge to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, urging him to appear before Parliament and account for what he described as years of financial mismanagement.

Speaking during the conclusion of the debate on the 2026 Budget, Mr Ayariga accused the former minister of hiding behind ill health to avoid scrutiny.

“Today he is being asked to come and account for his stewardship and he is hiding behind the same sickness,” he said.

The Majority Leader criticised Mr Ofori-Atta’s conduct while in office, arguing that his decisions inflicted severe damage on the Ghanaian economy.

He referenced several controversies, including the SML contract, the National Cathedral expenditures, and the management of the banking sector clean-up.

According to him, “Strategic Mobilisation Limited is indeed an apt name for the manner in which Ken Ofori-Atta managed the finances of Ghana – he and his cronies strategically mobilised and looted the coffers of this country.”

Using biblically themed references to mirror Mr Ofori-Atta’s own parliamentary style, Mr Ayariga cited Luke 19:1-10, comparing the former minister’s situation to that of Zacchaeus. He argued that accountability, not sympathy, was required.

“Even when he was sick and his own MPs wanted him to resign, he refused,” he reminded the House.

“He quoted biblical verses year after year, so today I want to refer him to the Bible. Zacchaeus came down to face the truth.”

The Majority Leader also pointed to specific financial losses which he attributed to poor decisions taken under Mr Ofori-Atta’s tenure.

He cited the GHC 1.4 billion paid to SML without proper evaluation, the alleged $100 million IT contract at NHIA, and what he described as wastage in the management of ambulance servicing contracts.

“If we were dumping $58 million into a massive hole called a cathedral, we would not have been able to service our debts,” he added.

Mr Ayariga concluded by insisting that Mr Ofori-Atta must answer for his actions before Parliament and the Ghanaian people.

“Stop running away and come and face your actions,” he said. “This House and this country deserve accountability.”

He maintained that only full transparency could restore public confidence after what he described as years of economic harm.