Bring Ken Ofori-Atta Back to Account for Ghana's Debt Crisis, Majority Leader Demands

Ghana's Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has intensified calls for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to the country and account for what he characterises as reckless borrowing and financial mismanagement during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Speaking during parliamentary debate on the 2026 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review on Thursday, Mr Ayariga expressed frustration that Ofori-Atta has left Ghana whilst the country grapples with the economic consequences of his tenure.

"Where is the man who put us in debt? Where is Ken Ofori-Atta? After borrowing recklessly and creating the debt, he has gone and is hiding in the United States of America. We must bring Ken Ofori-Atta back," the Majority Leader declared, demanding that the former Finance Minister be made to answer to Ghanaians for his stewardship of the nation's finances.

Contrasting Economic Management Approaches

Mr Ayariga used the parliamentary forum to contrast the fiscal approaches of the previous and current administrations. He highlighted what he described as the burden imposed under the NPP government, particularly citing the controversial mobile money transfer tax, which he claimed demonstrated the desperation of former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta to shore up government revenues.

Under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, Ayariga pointed out that Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has not only abolished such levies but has maintained economic stability without resorting to excessive borrowing. "We have a Finance Minister who has abolished all those taxes, and yet he is successfully managing our economy. We have a Finance Minister who is not borrowing recklessly, but is successfully managing our economy," he stated.

The Majority Leader commended the current Finance Minister for demonstrating prudent fiscal management and sound economic stewardship, emphasising that the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review reflects government commitment to critical infrastructure development rather than vanity projects. He specifically referenced investments in educational infrastructure, school rehabilitations, and road projects across the country as evidence of the government's development priorities.

Why This Matters for Ghana

The parliamentary confrontation reflects ongoing political tensions regarding Ghana's debt management and economic recovery. Ghana's debt burden has been a significant challenge in recent years, contributing to the country's participation in an International Monetary Fund (IMF) support programme. The debate over who bears responsibility for the current debt levels remains a contentious political issue as Ghana works towards economic stabilisation.

Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, has become a focal point for criticism from the opposition regarding Ghana's fiscal challenges. His departure from Ghana has made him an absent figure in domestic accountability discussions, which Ayariga's remarks highlight. The call for his return underscores the political importance of fiscal accountability in Ghana's governance narrative.

The comparison between economic management styles under different administrations will likely dominate parliamentary and public discourse as Ghana continues its economic recovery journey. With the NDC government promoting its record of fiscal restraint and infrastructure investment, the narrative about the previous government's economic stewardship remains politically significant for both justifying current policies and framing the historical context of Ghana's economic challenges.

Ayariga's statement that "Ghana is working again" reflects the current government's messaging strategy, positioning the NDC administration as the architect of economic recovery and the NPP's tenure as the source of Ghana's economic difficulties.