The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has once again declared Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted man. The former Finance Minister failed to appear for questioning on Monday, June 2.
At a press briefing in Accra, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta’s lawyers claimed he had been diagnosed with cancer. They also requested that he give a statement virtually, citing the Electronic Transactions Act.
However, Mr. Agyebeng dismissed the request. He stressed that the investigation requires the suspect’s physical presence. “Legal representation is no substitute for personal attendance in a criminal probe,” he said.
Previous Attempts to Evade
This marks the second time Ofori-Atta has dodged the OSP. In February, the office named him a fugitive for ignoring repeated invites to assist in multiple corruption cases. These include:
- A revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML)
- Payments tied to the National Cathedral project
- Other procurement and spending irregularities from 2017 to 2024
After his legal team promised cooperation, the OSP removed his name from the wanted list. They assured the public he would return by June 2. That deadline has now passed.
OSP Plans INTERPOL Red Notice
The OSP now says it will revive efforts to secure an INTERPOL Red Notice. This step could trigger his arrest and extradition from any of the agency’s 196 member states.
Legal Battle in Court
Ofori-Atta has taken legal action in return. He filed a case at the Human Rights Court, arguing that the OSP violated his rights by declaring him wanted. He is asking the court to order the removal of related content from the OSP’s website.
The court is expected to rule on the matter on June 18.
No Special Treatment
Mr. Agyebeng closed the briefing with a strong message.
“No one is above the law. The fight against corruption will not be compromised.”
Moments later, the OSP published Ofori-Atta’s photo online and officially listed him as wanted.
