Accra, Ghana//-The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) today redeclared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person, effective June 2, 2025, following his failure to appear in person at the OSP’s headquarters in Accra by the stipulated deadline.
His failure to show up violated an earlier agreement that saw his temporary removal from the wanted list.
The OSP had earlier declared Mr Ofori-Atta a “fugitive from justice” in February 2025, citing his repeated non-compliance with summons for questioning regarding multiple corruption allegations.
These probes include his involvement in contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) for revenue assurance, issues surrounding the National Cathedral project, and other financial dealings during his tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024.
His name was removed from the wanted list on February 18, 2025, after his legal team provided a definite date for his voluntary return and appearance before the OSP, specifically today, June 2, 2025.
Speaking at a press conference which was telecast live on major television channels, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, stated that its patience with Mr. Ofori-Atta has run out, following what it describes as repeated delays and noncompliance with ongoing criminal proceedings against him.
“This office has always requested his attendance, and we have indicated clearly to him that we are unwilling to waive it. If we were amenable to taking any statement from Ken Ofori-Atta in absentia, we would have done so in February, and not waited till June 2, 2025.
“We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations and the methods suitable to him and his convenience. We will not countenance this conduct, not in this case.”
This development comes after Mr. Ofori-Atta reportedly requested a virtual session, citing medical reasons. His legal team had earlier submitted documentation to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, explaining that he was undergoing treatment abroad and unable to travel.
However, the OSP maintains that Mr. Ofori-Atta must appear in person to respond to ongoing investigations related to alleged financial misconduct, including money laundering and causing financial loss to the state.
The declaration reinstates Mr. Ofori-Atta on the list of wanted persons and opens the door for further international enforcement actions, including a possible INTERPOL Red Notice.
Background
At the time, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng sternly warned that failure to honour this commitment would result in his immediate reinstatement on the wanted list and the initiation of processes for an INTERPOL Red Notice, aiming to secure his arrest and extradition.
As of late Monday, June 2, Ofori-Atta had not presented himself to the OSP.
Sources close to the former minister’s legal team, including Frank Davies, confirmed earlier today that he would not be able to appear due to an “unexpected deterioration in his health condition”.
His lawyers reportedly communicated this development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, providing accompanying medical reports.
They also suggested that he was willing to participate in a virtual interview to provide his cautionary statement, leveraging provisions under the Electronic Transactions Act.
However, the OSP had previously rejected similar medical excuses in February, insisting on his physical presence for an effective investigation.
The Special Prosecutor’s office has consistently maintained that legal representation cannot substitute for a suspect’s attendance in criminal investigations.
The immediate implication of this re-declaration is severe.
Mr Ofori-Atta now faces the full force of the OSP’s mandate, which includes pursuing his return to Ghana by all lawful means.
The threat of an INTERPOL Red Notice means he could be arrested in any of INTERPOL’s 196 member countries, significantly curtailing his international movement.
This development adds another complex layer to the ongoing legal battle between the OSP and the former Finance Minister.
Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending suit at the Human Rights Court challenging the OSP’s initial declaration of him as wanted, arguing its unlawfulness and seeking the removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms.
The Human Rights Court has scheduled a ruling on this matter for June 18, 2025, further complicating the legal landscape.
The OSP’s latest move underscores its unwavering commitment to ensuring that no individual, regardless of their past position, is above the law when it comes to investigations into corruption and corruption-related offences.
