Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Declared Wanted Again by Special Prosecutor
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has, as of June 2, 2025, re-listed former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted individual after his failure to appear in person for questioning in an ongoing corruption investigation.
This latest move follows Mr Ofori-Atta’s breach of a prior agreement that had led to the temporary suspension of his “fugitive from justice” status. The OSP had initially declared the former minister wanted in February 2025 after repeated absences despite formal summonses relating to multiple corruption allegations. These investigations centre on his role in the controversial Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contracts for revenue assurance, the National Cathedral project, and other financial arrangements executed during his seven-year tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024.
Mr Ofori-Atta was removed from the wanted list on February 18 after his legal representatives provided assurance of his voluntary appearance at the OSP headquarters by June 2. That promise, however, was unfulfilled by close of day Monday, prompting the OSP to activate its warning of reinstating him on the wanted list and initiating an INTERPOL Red Notice application to secure his international arrest and extradition.
Health grounds rejected again
Sources close to Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team, including lead counsel Frank Davies, indicated that his absence was due to an “unexpected deterioration” in his health condition. Medical documentation was reportedly submitted to both the OSP and the Human Rights Court, accompanied by a request for a virtual interview to substitute for a physical appearance—citing the Electronic Transactions Act as legal basis.
The OSP, however, has held firm in its position that virtual appearances are not an acceptable alternative in criminal investigations of this magnitude. In February, the Special Prosecutor similarly dismissed medical excuses, asserting that personal presence is legally required for effective administration of justice. Legal representation, the office insists, cannot replace a suspect’s direct involvement in criminal inquiries.
Legal battle intensifies
The former Finance Minister continues to contest the legality of his initial declaration as wanted in a suit currently before the Human Rights Court. Mr Ofori-Atta is seeking to have the OSP’s statements and social media posts related to his fugitive status removed. A ruling on that case is expected on June 18, 2025, injecting further legal complexity into an already contentious matter.
In the meantime, the reissuance of the wanted notice dramatically escalates the stakes. Should the INTERPOL Red Notice be issued, Mr Ofori-Atta could be detained in any of the 196 member countries of the international policing organisation—substantially restricting his ability to travel and amplifying diplomatic and legal consequences.
A test of Ghana’s anti-corruption resolve
This case marks one of the most high-profile tests of the OSP’s mandate since its establishment. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has reiterated that accountability will be enforced without favour, regardless of an individual’s political stature or previous office.
As the investigation deepens and the legal contestation intensifies, the broader public watches closely—both for its implications on anti-corruption enforcement and the credibility of Ghana’s democratic institutions.
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