Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has reportedly been spotted in the United States, sparking renewed debate about his legal status after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared him a fugitive earlier this year.
The OSP had accused Ofori-Atta of financial misconduct during his time in office and issued a fugitive warrant as part of wider efforts to pursue alleged corruption and mismanagement among senior government officials.
The OSP warned that if Ofori-Atta fails to report by the stipulated date, his name will be reinstated on the list of wanted persons in Ghana, and he will again be officially declared a fugitive from justice.
Despite this, reports suggest he has been living in the U.S. for several months. His continued presence abroad has raised concerns over whether the warrant can be enforced and how it might affect the pace of investigations.
The government has yet to issue an official response, but legal and political commentators note that the situation underscores weaknesses in Ghana’s justice system, particularly when high-profile figures are involved.
Public reaction has been divided. While some Ghanaians voice anger over what they see as evasion of accountability, others question the practical impact of his residence outside the country on ongoing legal proceedings.
As developments unfold, Ofori-Atta’s case remains a flashpoint in national politics, fueling broader conversations about governance, transparency, and the ability of state institutions to uphold the rule of law.
OSP investigating Ken Ofori-Atta over five key issues
The Special Prosecutor’s office is probing Ofori-Atta in connection with five major investigations:
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Examining the contractual relationship between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- Electricity Company Contract termination: Investigating the abrupt cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
- National Cathedral Project: Reviewing procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the controversial National Cathedral project.
- Ambulance Procurement Scandal: Scrutinising a Ministry of Health deal with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
- GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Investigating the handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
