Inusah Fuseini: Ofori-Atta’s Spouse Confronted Gloria Akuffo Over Slow NDC Prosecutions

Introduction

In a revealing segment on PleasureNews’ Newsfile, former Member of Parliament (MP) Inusah Fuseini made a sensational claim regarding internal pressures within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. He alleged that the spouse of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta openly confronted former Attorney General (AG) Gloria Akuffo. The confrontation reportedly stemmed from frustrations regarding the perceived slow pace of legal proceedings against former appointees of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

This incident, which Fuseini claims occurred in a public gym, highlights the intense political dynamics and the demand for accountability that characterized the Akufo-Addo administration. The allegation suggests that specific influential figures were pushing for more aggressive political prosecutions and anti-corruption efforts against political opponents, raising questions about the independence of the Office of the Attorney General.

Key Points

Background

To understand the context of this allegation, one must look at the political landscape of Ghana following the 2016 elections. The New Patriotic Party, led by President Nana Akufo-Addo, campaigned heavily on a promise to fight corruption, specifically targeting officials from the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

Gloria Akuffo served as the Attorney General and Minister for Justice from 2017 to 2021. During her tenure, her office was tasked with handling several high-profile cases involving former NDC government officials. However, the progress of these cases was often a subject of debate within the ruling party and the general public.

Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister, and his family are considered to have significant influence within the Akufo-Addo government. The tension described by Inusah Fuseini illustrates the internal friction that can arise when political campaign promises meet the legal realities of the judicial process.

Analysis

The Nature of the Alleged Confrontation

Inusah Fuseini’s account describes a rare public display of intra-party frustration. By alleging that the confrontation occurred in a gym at the Air Force facility—a semi-public space—Fuseini emphasizes that the interaction was not a private diplomatic exchange but a heated dispute driven by impatience with the judicial process.

The core of the allegation is that the spouse of the Finance Minister felt the Attorney General was too lenient on the NDC. This suggests a desire for retributive justice rather than independent legal adjudication. If true, it indicates that the pressure on the AG’s office was not merely abstract but involved direct interpersonal confrontation.

Political Implications of the Claim

The claim that Akuffo’s removal from office was influenced by her failure to aggressively prosecute NDC appointees touches on the sensitive issue of judicial independence. In a functioning democracy, the Attorney General should act based on evidence and the rule of law, not political pressure from influential families or party factions.

Fuseini’s suggestion that Akuffo’s departure was linked to “the desires of the Ofori-Attas” implies a power struggle within the ruling government. It paints a picture where the enforcement of the law is weaponized for political gain, a phenomenon often referred to as “lawfare.”

Practical Advice

For readers following Ghanaian politics and trying to understand the nuances of this story, consider the following:

How to Evaluate Political Disclosures

When analyzing claims like those made by Inusah Fuseini:

1. Check for Corroboration: Look for statements from the accused parties (Gloria Akuffo or the Ofori-Atta family) to verify the timeline and details.
2. Understand the Source: Inusah Fuseini is a known NDC figure. His comments on an NPP-focused program are intended to challenge the ruling party’s narrative.
3. Verify the Setting: Confirm the timeline of Gloria Akuffo’s tenure and the specific cases that were active at the time to see if the frustration described aligns with public records.

Understanding the Role of the Attorney General

The Attorney General in Ghana is a political appointee but is expected to uphold the law impartially. Understanding the distinction between the Attorney General (who represents the government) and the Director of Public Prosecutions (who handles actual prosecutions) is crucial. Pressure on the AG can influence which cases are pursued, highlighting the importance of legal institutions.

FAQ

Conclusion

The allegation made by Inusah Fuseini offers a glimpse into the internal pressures faced by legal officials during the Akufo-Addo administration. By claiming that the spouse of Ken Ofori-Atta confronted Gloria Akuffo over the slow pace of NDC trial proceedings, Fuseini highlights the complex intersection of personal relationships, political expectations, and the rule of law. While the claims remain unverified by the subjects involved, they contribute to the ongoing discourse regarding the independence of Ghana’s judiciary and the politicization of state prosecutions.

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: Inusah Fuseini: Ofori-Atta’s spouse faced ex-AG Gloria Akuffo over ‘slow’ NDC trial tempo beneath Akufo-Addo
• PleasureNews’ Newsfile: Broadcast segment featuring Inusah Fuseini and Paul Adom-Otchere.