Pressure group Arise Ghana has temporarily suspended its picketing at the United States Embassy in Accra after submitting a formal petition to embassy officials demanding the return of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
The group said the suspension, which will last for one week, is intended to allow U.S. authorities time to respond to the concerns raised in the petition. Arise Ghana warned that the protest will resume if no official response or assurances are received regarding Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana.
Reading portions of the petition to embassy officials, Bernard Monarh, Lead Convener of Arise Ghana, said the appeal was grounded in the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Ghana and the United States.
“Ghana and the United States of America share a long-standing and cordial relationship founded on diplomatic values, good governance, mutual respect for sovereignty, and cooperation in matters of justice and institutional accountability,” he stated.
“It is in this spirit of partnership and mutual respect that this petition is submitted, with the understanding that facilitating lawful processes strengthens public confidence in democratic institutions and reinforces international norms of accountability.”
Members of Arise Ghana began picketing at the U.S. Embassy on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, calling on U.S. authorities to collaborate with Ghanaian institutions to ensure the former finance minister returns to Ghana to face justice.
The protest, which entered its fourth day on Friday, was suspended shortly after the petition was presented to embassy officials.
Speaking to the newsmen, Mr. Monarh alleged that Mr. Ofori-Atta, who travelled to the United States for medical reasons, has since recovered but has refused to return to Ghana.
“We all know that Ken Ofori-Atta is no longer sick. He went to the U.S. for medical attention, and now he has overstayed his visa,” he claimed.
“When he was flagged to be arrested, he went ahead to apply to become a permanent citizen of America. This means he has no intention of returning to Ghana to face justice.”
Mr. Monarh added that the group had initially planned an indefinite protest but reached an agreement with the police to demonstrate within a defined period.
“We agreed with the police to protest for two weeks. After that, we planned a sleepover protest here until the U.S. authorities take steps to bring Ken Ofori-Atta back to Ghana,” he said.
Arise Ghana insists the suspension of the picketing does not signal an end to the protest but rather a temporary pause, pending a response from U.S. authorities.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nhyiraba Solomon Nartey
