Human Rights Reporters 
Pressure group Arise Ghana intensified its protest at the United States Embassy in Accra on Wednesday January 21, 2026 to successfully completing Day Two of picketing aimed at demanding the return of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to face accountability over alleged financial impropriety.
The demonstration, held under the rallying call “Bring Back Ken to Ghana,” drew a large turnout of supporters who chanted slogans and held placards directed at the U.S. Government, American law enforcement agencies, Ghanaian authorities, and the international media.
Bernard Mornah, Lead Convener of Arise Ghana, said the protest reflects growing public frustration over perceived selective justice.
“As a civic movement, Arise Ghana is demanding equal application of the law. We cannot build a just society when former public officials are perceived to be beyond accountability. Ken Ofori-Atta must be brought back to Ghana to respond to questions surrounding his stewardship of the nation’s finances,” he stated.
Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana and Convener of the Ghana Civil Society Organizations Platform on the SDGs (Youth), added that the protest is rooted in democratic principles.
“Accountability is fundamental to democracy. When alleged financial mismanagement goes unaddressed, it weakens public trust and undermines citizens’ rights. This protest is about restoring confidence in state institutions,” he said.
For Selorm Dzramani Dramado, a member of Arise Ghana, the demonstration represents a civic intervention intended to capture both national and international attention.
“This is a peaceful but firm call for justice. We want the world to know that Ghanaians are demanding accountability and transparency, without fear or favour,” he told reporters.
Co-Convener Marion Gifty Nyaaba emphasized the social cost of alleged mismanagement, particularly for vulnerable groups.
“The economic crisis affected ordinary people the most—especially women and the youth. Accountability is necessary to ensure that such hardship is not repeated,” she explained.
Prince Derek Adjei said the choice of the U.S. Embassy as the picketing location was deliberate.
“If those we seek to hold accountable are outside our jurisdiction, then international cooperation becomes necessary. This picketing is to ensure the matter receives global attention,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Hopeson Adorye, Director of Field Operations of the United Party, stressed the non-partisan nature of the protest.
“This is not about party politics. It is about national accountability and justice. Until Ken Ofori-Atta is brought back to Ghana to answer questions, citizens will continue to demand action,” he declared.
Offering a contrasting perspective, Mr. Francis Kwasi Borklo, a member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), acknowledged the right to protest but urged adherence to legal procedures.
“Peaceful demonstration is part of our democracy, but matters of extradition and prosecution must be handled strictly within the law. If there are credible allegations, the appropriate institutions must be allowed to work without prejudice or political pressure,” he said.
The picketing began on Tuesday, January 20, 2025, and continued on Wednesday following what Arise Ghana described as the lack of response to earlier appeals made at a press conference in Accra.
Arise Ghana has renewed its call on the Attorney-General, the Office of the Special Prosecutor, and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to act decisively on alleged financial scandals. The group stressed that democratic accountability must go beyond economic stabilization narratives and be applied fairly to all public officials.
The ongoing demonstration forms part of a broader civic campaign by Arise Ghana to promote accountability, transparency, and the rule of law, with the movement insisting that no public official is above justice, regardless of their status or influence.
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