The family of former Finance Minister, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, has accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of abusing its administrative powers in its handling of matters concerning Mr. Ofori-Atta.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 9, the family called for the withdrawal of an INTERPOL Red Notice issued against the former Minister and confirmed that an application had been submitted to the National Central Bureau and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files for its deletion.
Allegations against the OSP
The family’s statement detailed several grievances, including alleged suppression and manipulation of evidence by the OSP, violation of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s human rights, disregard for judicial proceedings, denial of due process, and a breach of administrative justice.
They claim that the OSP manipulated evidence to obtain an arrest warrant dated February 11, 2025, and that the only accusation against Mr. Ofori-Atta is “using public office for private profit.” The family argues that the warrant was issued under questionable circumstances, noting the absence of a filed affidavit—a matter now before the courts and communicated to INTERPOL through the Ghana Police Service.
Legal action over public declaration
Following the OSP’s February media briefing that declared Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted, he filed a suit at the Human Rights Court.
The family contends that the OSP’s announcement was unlawful and infringed on Ofori-Atta’s rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and access to healthcare, which are protected by Ghana’s Constitution and international human rights conventions.
Ongoing court proceedings disregarded
The family criticised the OSP for repeating the “wanted” declaration despite ongoing proceedings at the Human Rights Court, which is expected to deliver a ruling on June 18.
They insist that Mr. Ofori-Atta had demonstrated a willingness to cooperate by offering to give a caution statement via video interview while he attended to his health overseas.
Health concerns and scheduling conflicts
The OSP’s actions on June 2, according to the family, disregarded Mr. Ofori-Atta’s serious medical condition.
The family explained that an interview originally scheduled for February 10 was rescheduled to June 2 on health grounds, supported by a letter from the Mayo Clinic.
A biopsy conducted on March 21, 2025, confirmed a cancer diagnosis, with surgery scheduled for June 13.
They argue that a fair and reasonable exercise of administrative power should have considered these circumstances—by accepting a video interview, allowing the Special Prosecutor to travel to the U.S., or waiting until after surgery and recovery.
Alleged public humiliation
The family described the OSP’s decision to re-post Mr. Ofori-Atta’s “Wanted” poster as a “premeditated theatrical stunt” aimed at publicly shaming a man who is scheduled for cancer surgery. They maintain that Mr. Ofori-Atta has submitted all required documentation and notified the OSP of his condition.
He had intended to return to Ghana by May 30, 2025, but informed the OSP on May 28 that surgery had been scheduled for June 13 following confirmation of cancer.
His lawyers offered to provide medical records in support of this.
The family insists that Mr. Ofori-Atta is not evading justice, referencing his full cooperation with CHRAJ investigations and Parliamentary censure motions in the past.
Timeline of events presented as evidence
The family outlined a timeline to support their claims:
February 18, 2025
OSP agrees to an in-person interview scheduled for June 2.
May 27, 2025
Human Rights Court informed of upcoming surgery, with a doctor’s letter dated May 14.
May 28, 2025
OSP was again informed of the surgery scheduled for June 13 following the cancer diagnosis from the March 21 biopsy.
Ofori-Atta has been undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic since February 2021 for post-COVID-19 multisystem inflammatory syndrome.
To avoid delays in the investigation, he requested a video-recorded interview (VRI), which the family maintains is permitted under law and more cost-effective.
OSP declines video interview request
The OSP formally declined the VRI request on June 2, in a letter dated May 30, stating:
“The OSP declines your offer of video video-recorded interview for the purpose of eliciting your caution statement. This office has always insisted on your personal attendance, and we have indicated clearly that we are unwilling to waive it.”
The family questions whether this refusal was fair or reasonable, particularly after a cancer diagnosis had been confirmed.
Fresh declaration and media conference
On June 2, the OSP held its third press conference on the matter, again declaring Mr. Ofori-Atta a wanted man.
The OSP claimed there was no medical validation of his illness—a claim the family calls “a deliberate concealment of fact.”
Legal challenges escalate
On June 3, an additional legal suit was filed against the OSP, adding to a previous one filed on March 13, which challenged the validity of the February 12 arrest warrant.
Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team has now contacted the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) to inquire whether the OSP and relevant government ministries disclosed ongoing legal actions, medical reports, and the scheduled cancer surgery during their request for a Red Notice.
If these were withheld, the family argues, the move would violate Articles 2 and 3 of INTERPOL’s constitution, which include protections for the right to health.
Motive questioned: “Vendetta” alleged
The family expressed concern that the OSP’s consistent refusal to consider alternative forms of engagement suggests a personal vendetta.
They accused the OSP of prioritising public embarrassment over justice.
Since his appointment in 2017, the family noted, Kenneth Ofori-Atta has always responded to legal and parliamentary inquiries with transparency.
They cited multiple investigations—by CHRAJ, the ECOWAS Court of Justice, and Parliament—all of which they say exonerated him.
Final remarks: return expected after recovery
The family concluded that accusations of fleeing justice are “out of character, preposterous, and simply not true.”
They expressed confidence that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights will be upheld and said that he remains committed to meeting with the OSP in person once he completes his cancer surgery and recovery.
