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Prejudicial Remarks Towards Ofori-Atta Shameful, Hypocritical – Frank Davies

Introduction

In the landscape of Ghanaian democracy, the court of public opinion often operates faster—and sometimes more harshly—than the courts of law. Recent comments made by Frank Davies, a member of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team, have brought this tension into sharp focus. Davies has publicly condemned what he describes as unfair and prejudicial remarks directed at his client, cautioning against the rush to judgment outside the courtroom.

This article explores the legal and ethical dimensions of Davies’ critique, examining the implications of public accusations before a verdict is reached. By analyzing his appearance on PleasureNews’ The Pulse, we will unpack the concepts of due process, the presumption of innocence, and the phenomenon of selective activism in political discourse.

Key Points

Background

The controversy stems from ongoing political and legal scrutiny surrounding former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. As a prominent figure in Ghana’s economic management, his tenure has been subject to intense debate. However, recent discourse has shifted from policy critique to direct personal accusations.

On Wednesday, January 21, Frank Davies appeared on The Pulse to address comments made by various political actors and pressure groups. Specifically, he referenced remarks by Hopeson Adorye, a Director of Operations for the United Party, which Davies felt crossed the line from political criticism into prejudicial condemnation.

Simultaneously, pressure groups such as Arise Ghana have been picketing the US Embassy, demanding the extradition of Ofori-Atta. This has created a backdrop of heightened tension where legal matters are increasingly debated in the public square rather than in the courtroom.

Analysis

Davies’ comments touch upon several critical pillars of democratic governance and legal ethics. His critique is not merely a defense of a client but a broader commentary on the health of the nation’s judicial culture.

The Presumption of Innocence

Central to Davies’ argument is the legal principle of the presumption of innocence. In democratic jurisdictions, including Ghana, an individual is considered innocent until proven guilty. Davies noted that Ofori-Atta has not yet had his day in court to respond to allegations. When public figures or activists label someone a “thief” or “corrupt” before a verdict is delivered, they undermine this foundational right.

Davies stated, “It’s a sad commentary on the democracy, the rule of law and the due process we all say we cherish in this country.” This highlights how premature accusations can poison the well of public opinion, making it difficult to secure an impartial jury or a fair hearing later.

The Danger of the “Court of Public Opinion”

The “court of public opinion” operates on emotion, partial information, and often, political bias. Unlike a court of law, it lacks strict evidentiary standards and procedural safeguards. Davies warned that when political actors like Hopeson Adorye make “hurtful, pernicious remarks,” they effectively condemn the accused before the legal system has even begun its work.

This phenomenon creates a “trial by media,” where reputations are damaged irreparably regardless of the eventual legal outcome. For a former Finance Minister, whose reputation is integral to both personal standing and national economic perception, such damage can be severe.

Double Standards in Political Activism

Davies introduced a comparative analysis of activism in Ghana, pointing out what he terms “selective activism.” He contrasted the fervor shown toward Ofori-Atta with the silence regarding other figures who have already been convicted in court.

He specifically referenced Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the former MASLOC (Microfinance and Small Loans Centre) boss. According to Davies, Ambassador Smith indicated that extradition proceedings were underway for Tamakloe-Attionu, who has been convicted of stealing state funds. Yet, the same groups demanding Ofori-Atta’s extradition have not picketed the US Embassy for Tamakloe-Attionu’s return.

This discrepancy suggests a politicization of justice, where activism is weaponized against specific targets while ignoring others, thereby weakening the moral authority of the activists.

Practical Advice

For citizens, journalists, and political actors navigating complex legal news, it is essential to maintain ethical standards and respect for the rule of law. Here are practical guidelines based on the issues raised by Frank Davies:

1. Respect the Due Process

Regardless of political affiliation, avoid labeling individuals as guilty before a court verdict. Use precise language: instead of saying “he stole money,” say “he is accused of stealing money” or “charges have been filed.” This protects you from potential defamation and upholds democratic values.

2. Verify the Status of Legal Proceedings

Before joining a protest or sharing an opinion, verify the current legal status of the individual involved. Is there an active warrant? Have they been charged? Have they been convicted? As Davies highlighted, treating an accused person the same as a convicted person is factually and legally incorrect.

3. Avoid Selective Outrage

When advocating for accountability, ensure consistency. If the goal is to fight corruption, the criteria for protest should be based on legal status (e.g., conviction) rather than political convenience. This strengthens the credibility of civil society movements.

4. Focus on Facts, Not Emotion

Public discourse is more productive when it focuses on verifiable facts. Davies’ critique was effective because he pointed to specific examples (the conviction of Tamakloe-Attionu vs. the accusations against Ofori-Atta) to illustrate his point about double standards.

FAQ

Conclusion

Frank Davies’ defense of Ken Ofori-Atta serves as a reminder of the fragility of the rule of law in the face of public opinion. While accountability is vital for a functioning democracy, it must be pursued through legal channels and based on verified facts.

The distinction Davies draws between an accused individual and a convicted one is legally significant. By highlighting the silence regarding convicted figures like Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the critique exposes a troubling inconsistency in public activism. Ultimately, a robust democracy requires not just vocal citizens, but citizens who respect due process and apply their standards of justice equally.

Sources

• PleasureNews – The Pulse (January 21, 2026 Broadcast)
• Life Pulse Daily – News Report on Frank Davies Statement
• Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992 (Chapter 5: Fundamental Human Rights and Freedoms)
• Public Interest Accountability Committee Reports (Contextual Reference)