Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for a second time after failing to appear before investigators by the agreed deadline of Monday, 2 June 2025.
The OSP’s move comes just three months after the initial “wanted” status was lifted, following assurances by Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team that he would voluntarily return to Ghana and cooperate with the investigation. That commitment, however, was not fulfilled, prompting the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, to reissue the declaration effective immediately.
“Failure to appear in person triggers the full legal consequences as earlier communicated,” the OSP said, confirming that processes for an INTERPOL Red Notice have now been initiated, opening the door to Mr Ofori-Atta’s possible arrest and extradition from any of INTERPOL’s 196 member states.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister between 2017 and 2024, is being investigated for alleged corruption and procurement breaches, including contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), financial dealings tied to the National Cathedral project, and other activities during his tenure.
His legal team, led by lawyer Frank Davies, cited a sudden deterioration in Mr Ofori-Atta’s health as the reason for his absence on June 2. They submitted medical documents to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, and proposed that their client be allowed to participate in a virtual interview under Ghana’s Electronic Transactions Act.
However, the OSP has remained firm in its stance that physical attendance is non-negotiable for criminal proceedings. “A suspect’s appearance is vital to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the investigative process,” an official from the office stated, rejecting what it described as repeated attempts to delay justice through procedural and medical claims.
This is not the first time health has been cited by Mr Ofori-Atta’s defence team. Similar reasons were presented in February when the OSP first declared him a fugitive. Then, too, the office maintained its demand for in-person cooperation and warned of dire legal consequences should there be further non-compliance.
Adding to the legal complexity, Mr Ofori-Atta has a pending suit at the Human Rights Court challenging the legality of the OSP’s initial declaration of him as wanted. The former minister argues that the action violated his rights and is demanding the removal of all related notices from the OSP’s official social media accounts. A ruling on that suit is expected on 18 June 2025.
The standoff reflects a growing tension between efforts to enforce accountability and the legal rights of individuals, particularly high-profile political figures. For many observers, the case is seen as a critical test of Ghana’s anti-corruption architecture under the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Public opinion is sharply divided. While some have expressed frustration over what they see as deliberate avoidance of accountability, others raise concerns about due process and the potential politicisation of justice.
For now, the OSP’s firm posture signals a new phase in the pursuit of Mr Ofori-Atta. If the INTERPOL request proceeds and is validated, the implications for his freedom of movement—and legal standing—could be dramatic.
With the Human Rights Court’s ruling imminent and international enforcement mechanisms being activated, Ghana braces for what could become one of the most consequential legal battles involving a former government official in recent history.
