NPP rushed Ofori-Atta’s press conference – Gary Nimako

The Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Gary Nimako, has expressed concerns over the party’s swift decision to hold a press conference following the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) declaration of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted fugitive.

Nimako believes the party should have taken a more measured approach before addressing the public. Speaking in a phone-in interview on Neat FM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, he noted that the timing of the press conference was questionable and lacked proper legal consultation.

“Looking at the dates on the letters, I hold the view that the timing was too short to have come to that conclusion,” Nimako stated.

“Maybe Nana B proceeded based on his understanding of the matters made available to him but I was not consulted on the press conference, and if I had been, I would have given a different opinion. I am not quick to act; I think deeply before I react. Some of these matters require engagement and consultation before reacting,”he later added when asked if the NPP had sought his opinion before holding the press conference.

His remarks highlight a growing concern within the NPP about how sensitive legal issues are handled, particularly regarding high-profile figures like Ofori-Atta. Nimako suggested that the party should have sought broader consultation, especially from its legal team, before making a public statement.

Nimako further stressed the need for calm deliberation rather than reactive rhetoric. According to him, the case involving Ofori-Atta demands careful legal engagement rather than dramatic public confrontations.

“I would have advised that the press conference should have been waited pending further investigation and consultation. In certain cases, you don’t just react immediately. You must consult, ask questions from all parties involved, and come to a conclusion before proceeding,” he explained.

He cautioned against allowing political emotions to overshadow the legal process, stating that the issue should be handled with calmness, engagement, and mutual understanding.

Beyond critiquing the NPP’s handling of the situation, Nimako also advised the legal representatives of Ken Ofori-Atta on how best to engage with the OSP. He suggested that instead of resisting the process, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers should formally communicate with the OSP to arrange a suitable date for him to respond to the allegations.

“Lawyers representing Ken Ofori-Atta should write to the OSP, proposing a suitable date for him to appear based on his convenience. Given that he is seeking medical care, his doctors will determine when he is fit enough to honor the invitation, I have been there before so I understand these things,”Nimako added.

He argues that this approach would ensure that Ofori-Atta’s legal rights are protected while maintaining a professional dialogue with the OSP.

The NPP’s controversial press conference took place on February 13^th, 2025, at the party’s headquarters, where National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, strongly rejected the OSP’s claim that Ofori-Atta was a fugitive. He dismissed the declaration as “unreasonable” and insisted that Ofori-Atta had not absconded from the country.

“Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta can never be a fugitive. He is not a fugitive, and he will never be a fugitive. The OSP got it wrong,” Nana Boakye asserted.

He also urged the OSP to avoid making “sensational statements” that stir public emotions and create unnecessary controversy, emphasizing that the issue could have been handled more appropriately through formal communication.

He further assured the OSP that the former minister would return to the country to cooperate with the investigation once he completes his medical treatment in the USA.