The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a fugitive.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng said “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Ofori-Atta”
He declared him a fugitive on the grounds of causing financial loss to the state in several dealings including the construction of the famous National Cathedral and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA’s) – Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
The OSP *invited* Ken Ofori-Atta to assist with investigation into certain matters by letter dated 24 January 2025. The OSP did not specify any charges against Mr Ofori-Atta or that he was going to be arrested or that there was an arrest warrant issued for his arrest.
However, Mr Ofori-Atta has been out of the jurisdiction since 2 January 2025. He notified the then Chief of Staff, Hon Akosua Frema Osei Opare in writing of his absence. After President Mahama took office, Mr Ofori-Atta informed the new Chief of Staff, Hon Julius Debrah, of his continued absence by letter dated 22 January 2025 (pre dating the OSP’s letter) and offered to assist in anyway the new government needed him.
The OSP’s letter came to Mr Ofori-Atta as he was outside the jurisdiction. Indeed, everyone in Ghana is not a stranger to the fact that Mr. Ofori-Atta has battled serious illness in the past, almost to the point of death. Mr. Ofori-Atta, through his lawyers, acknowledged receipt of the OSP’s invitation and informed the OSP that upon return to the jurisdiction, he will avail himself to assist with the investigation.
It was thus disturbing to learn that upon the instruction of the OSP, military men had attended and ransacked the home of Mr. Ofori-Atta, threatening his staff and occupants of the residence in the process.
Today, the OSP, with no legal authority, has declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive. There is no basis whatsoever for this declaration as there is no offence that has been committed by Mr Ofori-Atta. The OSP should provide the crime committed pursuant to which he made that declaration. Lawyers in this country should sit idle whilst the OSP rapes our country’s laws and abuses his office in clear and flagrant breach of the principles of lawyering.
We know the OSP and his apparent lack of diligence in the matters he begins in the media. They are simply to cause embarrassment to the persons involved without any shred of evidence.