Ken Ofori-Atta no longer on wanted list-OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially removed former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from its list of wanted persons. In a statement issued in Accra by Special Prosecutor Mr. Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP declared that Mr. Ofori-Atta is no longer considered a fugitive from justice, pending his voluntary return to the jurisdiction on a specified date.
“If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to voluntarily return on the stated date or attend the OSP on the rescheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the list of wanted persons,” Mr. Agyebeng warned
He further noted that in such an event, all necessary legal steps would be taken to secure his return, ensuring that the process is guided by due process and fairness.

Parliamentary reaction and expected return
The decision follows a series of developments that began when the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive on February 12, 2025, for not indicating a reasonable return date while being investigated in several corruption-related cases.
However, on February 18, Mr. Ofori-Atta, through his legal representatives, transmitted a communication stating a definite date for his voluntary return to Ghana.
Minority Leader Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin confirmed in Parliament that Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to return between May 14 and 30, 2025, after undergoing necessary medical assessments and a possible surgical intervention abroad.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin reassured that the former minister is prepared to appear for an in-person interrogation upon his return.

A shift from indefinite absence
The latest development marks a significant turnaround from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s earlier intention to remain outside the jurisdiction indefinitely.
The OSP’s acceptance of his proposed return date signals a willingness to resolve the matter through legal and orderly means.
This change comes after the OSP had initially directed Mr. Ofori-Atta to attend for questioning on a specific date—a directive that led to his classification as a fugitive when he failed to comply.
The rescheduling of his attendance was based on the OSP’s determination that his return timeline was reasonable under the circumstances.

Ensuring accountability and due process
The OSP emphasized that its actions are firmly rooted in its mandate to ensure accountability while adhering to the principles of due process.
Special Prosecutor reiterated that the decision to remove Mr. Ofori-Atta from the list is provisional and contingent upon his compliance with the agreed return schedule.
Should he fail to appear as promised, the OSP has stated that it will not hesitate to reinstate his fugitive status and pursue all necessary legal remedies.
The recent announcements and responses from both the OSP and parliamentary leaders underscore a commitment to upholding the rule of law while also accommodating the complexities of individual cases.
As the process unfolds, stakeholders across the political and legal spectrum will be closely monitoring Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return and subsequent appearance before the OSP, which remains a critical step in addressing the allegations against him.