Former Finance Minister Faces Legal Scrutiny Over Non-Compliance
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person after he failed to appear in person for questioning on June 2, 2025. The OSP is investigating allegations of corruption, including money laundering and financial loss to the state, related to Ofori-Atta’s tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024. The OSP insists on his physical presence, rejecting his request for a virtual session due to medical treatment abroad.
Ofori-Atta’s legal team cited health issues, including cancer surgery, as the reason for his absence, submitting medical documentation to both the OSP and the Human Rights Court. Despite these submissions, the OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, maintains that Ofori-Atta must appear in person to address the allegations. The investigations focus on contracts involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, the National Cathedral project, and other financial dealings.
In February 2025, Ofori-Atta was initially declared a fugitive after missing an earlier OSP invitation, prompting an arrest warrant. His lawyers secured his removal from the wanted list by promising his return in May 2025, but his failure to appear on the rescheduled June 2 date led to his re-listing as a wanted person. The OSP has now initiated steps for an INTERPOL Red Notice to facilitate his extradition.
Ofori-Atta has filed a lawsuit against the OSP, challenging the legality of the wanted declaration and alleging violations of his rights to dignity and fair treatment. The Human Rights Court has scheduled a ruling on this matter for June 18, 2025. The OSP remains firm, emphasizing that no suspect can dictate the terms of an investigation, and Ofori-Atta’s non-compliance has escalated the legal consequences.