Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has formally responded to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), stating that he is currently unable to travel to Ghana to appear in person.
In a communication on his behalf, his legal team has formally informed the OSP and the Human Rights Court of the development, submitting medical reports that detail his current condition and outline the scheduled surgical procedures.
Ofori-Atta requested that any proposed meeting with the OSP be held electronically, citing health concerns.
This development comes after the OSP invited the former minister for questioning as part of ongoing investigations related to his tenure in office.
According to the OSP, the inquiry is believed to involve financial transactions and procurement processes during his tenure under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Ofori-Atta, who is reportedly abroad, emphasised in his response that he remains committed to cooperating fully with the investigation. He proposed a virtual meeting via Zoom or another secure platform.
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.
In that event, the Office stated that it will begin the formal process to request an INTERPOL Red Notice, which could lead to international arrest and extradition.
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.
Failure to appear could lead to international legal action
In January 2025, the OSP officially notified Ken Ofori-Atta of his suspect status across these five cases and summoned him to appear on February 10, 2025. However, his legal team informed the office that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and proposed to represent him in absentia.
The Special Prosecutor rejected the claim of indefinite absence, demanding a firm return date and warning that legal actions would follow if Ofori-Atta failed to comply.
