Accra, Ghana//-The The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta 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 former minister is wanted because of his involvement of the construction of the National Cathedral promised by the former President, Akufo-Addo. Mr Ofori Atta was the one who released state funds for the project.
In 2020, Ken Ofori-Atta on the request of President Akufo-Addo’s Chief of Staff, authorised the release of a gargantuan ¢142.7million for the national cathedral project.
It has also emerged that the board of trustees of the project led by Rev. Kusi Boateng, mishandled the bulk part of the funds. Mr Ofori-Atta has been blamed for releasing the funds without considering the value of money and accountability.
In the case of the GRA and SML, the finance minister is again accused by the public of going into a deal that has caused financial loss to the state.
In 2019, GRA executed a payment of over ₵1 billion to SML under the auspices of Mr. Ken Ofori Atta without the involvement of the Public Procurement Authority’s approval as the constitution demands.
This money was paid to SML for the services of Transaction Audit Services, Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products, Consolidation Services Agreement (Transaction Audit and External Verification Services), External Price Verification Services, Addendum to Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Agreement, Consolidation of the first consolidation contract and downstream petroleum audit contract and extension of the scope of SML’s services and Contract Extension.
Over the years, anti-corruption agencies and individuals have called for the prosecution of Mr Ofori Atta for causing financial loss to the state.
Key among them were the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and some others who have sued the former minister, GRA, and SML for corruption and demanded a refund of the money.
The OSP has since taken over the matter and other substantial corruption-related cases in the country.
The OSP has therefore declared the former finance minister, Ken Ofori Atta wanted and that he is a fugitive of justice.
According to the OSP, Ken Ofori Atta has no intention of voluntarily returning to the jurisdiction. The OSP has warned that it will take all necessary legal steps to secure his return and ensure his attendance.
“You have two choices, either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP will enforce your return.”
The legal representatives of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta have responded to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) directive for their client to appear before it in person on 10th February 2025, stating that he was abroad for medical treatment.
In a letter sighted by Myjoyonline dated January 31, the lawyers gave this explanation as the reason why Mr Ofori-Atta could not report to the OSP as requested on January 24, 2025.
According to the lawyers, Mr Ofori-Atta was unaware of the OSP’s letter initially, as it was left at his security post while he was out of the country. They further clarified that he had notified both the former and current Chief of Staff about his medical trip earlier in January.
The legal team stated that Ofori-Atta was undergoing medical observation and tests, with treatment plans yet to be finalised.
As a result, they requested that the OSP reschedule his in-person appearance upon his return to Ghana. Meanwhile, they assured their willingness to provide any necessary information to support the investigation.
The letter emerged shortly after the OSP held a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, where he declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive.
He declared him a fugitive on the grounds of allegedly causing financial loss to the state in several dealings. The OSP has launched an investigation into suspected corruption and related offences concerning multiple contractual agreements, including those involving Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC), the National Cathedral project, and the Ministry of Health’s procurement of ambulances.
Before Wednesday’s press conference, some media reports had claimed that the home of Mr Ofori-Atta in Accra had been raided by some persons believed to be security personnel.
But the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated at the press conference that the OSP had nothing to do with the supposed raid.
Myjoyonline/African Eye Report
