Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has asserted that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) cannot credibly seek another mandate from Ghanaians without first addressing questions surrounding the whereabouts and accountability of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday during an exchange with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Mr Ayariga argued that the opposition party bears collective responsibility for the actions of the former minister, who managed the country’s finances throughout the NPP administration.

The remarks came in the wake of reports that a United States court had approved Mr Ofori-Atta’s application for permanent residency, a development disclosed by his legal team.

Contributing to discussions in the House, the Majority Leader recalled previous assurances from the Minority regarding the former minister’s willingness to return to Ghana and cooperate with ongoing investigations. He questioned what had become of those commitments and insisted that the matter could not simply be ignored.

Mr Ayariga maintained that the NPP cannot distance itself from a key figure who played a central role in the management of the nation’s economy during its tenure in office.

According to him, Parliament entrusted Mr Ofori-Atta with stewardship of the public purse, and concerns surrounding his conduct while in office remain matters of public interest that must be addressed.

The Majority Leader further contended that before the NPP asks Ghanaians for another opportunity to govern, it must demonstrate a commitment to accountability by ensuring that its former Finance Minister returns to answer questions relating to his time in office.

He argued that voters should demand clarity on the matter and consider Mr Ofori-Atta’s return and accountability as an important test of the party’s commitment to transparency and good governance.