The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has mandated that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta present himself for questioning by June 2, 2025, concerning his alleged involvement in multiple corruption investigations. Failure to comply will result in his reclassification as a fugitive and the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024, is implicated in five ongoing investigations, including contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, the termination of a deal between ECG and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology Limited, procurement processes related to the National Cathedral project, the purchase of ambulances for the National Ambulance Service, and the handling of payments from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.
The OSP initially declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive on February 12, 2025, after he failed to appear for questioning and was reportedly out of the country on medical grounds. He later assured the OSP of his willingness to cooperate and requested the removal of his name from the wanted list, promising to appear on a definite date.
In a statement issued on March 17, 2025, the OSP acknowledged his lawsuit contesting his previous designation as a fugitive. The OSP, acting in good faith based on his assurances, removed his name from the wanted list, contingent upon his appearance by June 2, 2025. The office has emphasized that failure to meet this deadline will result in reinstating his fugitive status and initiating an Interpol Red Notice, which would significantly restrict his international mobility and subject him to potential arrest in member countries.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has filed a lawsuit against the OSP, seeking to prevent the reinstatement of his fugitive status. His legal representatives argue that the OSP’s actions lack legal basis and have harmed his reputation. They contend that he has cooperated through his lawyers, making any attempt to label him a fugitive unjust and prejudicial.
The OSP remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring accountability. The office has reiterated that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s appearance is crucial for the integrity of the investigations and that all necessary measures will be employed to secure his attendance if he fails to comply.
