Paragraph 1: Declaration of Fugitive Status and Charges
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng declared Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, the former Minister of Finance (2017-2024), a fugitive from justice. Ofori-Atta is wanted for questioning in connection with several significant cases. These include contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority concerning revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors; the termination of an Electricity Company of Ghana contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology; procurement irregularities; activities and payments related to the National Cathedral project; a Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group for ambulance purchases; and utilization of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Tax Refund Account.
Paragraph 2: OSP’s Attempts to Secure Ofori-Atta’s Cooperation
Following Ofori-Atta’s departure from the country around January 2, 2025, the OSP notified him of his suspect status on January 24, 2025, and requested his presence for an interview on February 10, 2025. Ofori-Atta, through his lawyers, claimed to be out of the country indefinitely for medical reasons, offering to provide information remotely. The OSP rejected this, insisting on his personal appearance and requesting a return date. On February 10, 2025, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers submitted a generic medical letter requesting a postponement of his appearance due to ongoing medical tests and possible surgery.
Paragraph 3: The Alleged Raid and OSP’s Response
Ofori-Atta’s lawyers subsequently inquired about an alleged raid on his residence by individuals claiming to be from the OSP. They sought confirmation of the OSP’s involvement to determine the need for a formal complaint. Agyebeng categorically denied any OSP involvement in the alleged raid, characterizing it as a staged event designed to discredit the OSP and obstruct the investigation. He highlighted the OSP’s unique identification methods and procedures, contrasting them with the alleged raiders’ actions.
Paragraph 4: OSP’s Dismissal of Medical Excuse and Declaration of Fugitive Status
The OSP expressed skepticism about the authenticity and gravity of the medical letter provided by Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, viewing it as a tactic to evade returning to the jurisdiction. The OSP reiterated its belief that Ofori-Atta had no intention of voluntarily returning and subsequently declared him a fugitive from justice. Agyebeng emphasized that Ofori-Atta faced the choice of returning voluntarily or being forcibly brought back to face questioning.
Paragraph 5: Expanding Investigations: MIIF and NPA
Beyond the Ofori-Atta case, the OSP announced the commencement of investigations into suspected corruption within the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The MIIF investigation focuses on various payments, investments, and operational expenditures, targeting both former and current officials. The NPA investigation centers on an alleged embezzlement of GHC1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund, primarily targeting specific individuals within the NPA.
Paragraph 6: Payroll Administration Investigation and Impending Prosecutions
Finally, Agyebeng provided an update on the ongoing investigation into government payroll administration, a joint effort with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department initiated in late 2023. Following a pilot exercise in the Northern Region, the OSP is now prepared to prosecute individuals suspected of manipulating and siphoning funds through fictitious salaries. Six individuals, including teachers, education officials, and an accounts technician, face charges of corruption of and by a public officer and will be arraigned before the High Court in Tamale. This marks a significant step in the OSP’s efforts to address corruption within the government payroll system.
