The case of former Ghanaian Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has evolved into a complex legal and political standoff. Ofori-Atta, who served under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is currently under investigation for alleged misconduct related to five significant financial matters during his tenure. These include questionable contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the controversial termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC), procurement concerns and financial irregularities surrounding the construction of the National Cathedral, a procurement contract for ambulances between the Ministry of Health and Service Ghana Auto Group Limited, and the management and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account. The OSP’s pursuit of these allegations has been met with a series of delays and legal maneuvers by Ofori-Atta, leading to an ongoing battle over his appearance before the investigative body.
The saga began in January 2025 when the OSP formally identified Ofori-Atta as a suspect and summoned him for questioning. However, Ofori-Atta, claiming to be abroad for indefinite medical treatment, requested representation by his legal team. The OSP rejected this, insisting on his personal appearance and emphasizing that legal representatives could not answer criminal charges on a client’s behalf. This initial clash set the stage for a protracted back-and-forth between the two parties. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers provided medical documentation, but without a definitive return date, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant and the declaration of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice in February 2025. This escalation was short-lived, however, as Ofori-Atta subsequently assured the OSP of his return in May, prompting the removal of his name from the wanted list.
The temporary reprieve did not resolve the underlying tension. In March 2025, Ofori-Atta initiated legal proceedings against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, challenging the legality of his prior designation as a fugitive and seeking compensation for damages. He also requested the removal of related posts from the OSP’s social media platforms. This lawsuit further complicated the situation, introducing a new legal dimension to the ongoing investigation. An interim application filed by Ofori-Atta sought to prevent the OSP from declaring him wanted again, highlighting his ongoing efforts to avoid direct engagement with the investigation.
In response to Ofori-Atta’s legal maneuvers, the OSP set a new deadline of June 2, 2025, for his personal appearance. This deadline carries significant weight, as the OSP has explicitly warned that failure to comply will result in the reinstatement of his name on the wanted list and potentially trigger an INTERPOL Red Notice request, facilitating his arrest abroad. The OSP’s firm stance underlines the seriousness of the allegations and their determination to ensure Ofori-Atta’s accountability. The looming deadline has intensified the pressure on the former finance minister, placing him at a critical juncture.
The core of the issue revolves around the OSP’s investigation into potential financial improprieties during Ofori-Atta’s tenure as finance minister. The five areas of concern represent significant financial dealings and projects, including tax revenue management, energy contracts, and the construction of the National Cathedral. The OSP’s pursuit of these allegations suggests potential irregularities that warrant thorough investigation. Ofori-Atta’s repeated attempts to avoid direct engagement with the OSP raise questions about his willingness to cooperate with the investigation and address the allegations against him.
The ongoing legal battle between Ofori-Atta and the OSP has broader implications for Ghana’s political landscape and the fight against corruption. The case highlights the challenges faced by institutions tasked with holding powerful individuals accountable, particularly when those individuals have access to legal and political resources. The outcome of this standoff will likely have a significant impact on public perception of the OSP’s effectiveness and the government’s commitment to combating corruption. As the June 2 deadline approaches, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on Ofori-Atta’s next move and the OSP’s response. The resolution of this case will undoubtedly set a precedent for future investigations and the pursuit of justice in Ghana.
