The Office of the Special Prosecutor has stated that any failure by former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta to comply with the agreed deadline to appear before the OSP will result in consequences.
In a statement issued on March 17, 2025, the OSP stated that one of the consequences Ken Ofori-Atta will face is having his name re-entered on the list of wanted persons and declared a fugitive from justice.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta is mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025. If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the scheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall consider him a fugitive from justice,” portions of the statement read.
The OSP further stated that it will take additional severe measures to apprehend the former minister, including requesting the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice, which calls on law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest individuals declared wanted.
“Whereupon the OSP will cause the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice in his regard and also cause the initiation of extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction in which he may be found,” it added.
In relation to the lawsuit filed against the OSP, the office acknowledged the legal proceedings initiated by Ken Ofori-Atta, challenging its earlier declaration of him as a wanted fugitive.
The statement clarified, however, that the OSP complied with a formal request made by the former minister to have his name removed from the list of wanted persons, as he had expressed a willingness to avail himself for investigations into the charges against him.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) acknowledges a lawsuit filed by Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta contesting the OSP’s prior declaration that he was a wanted person and a fugitive from justice.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta formally requested the OSP to remove his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons with the assurance to the OSP that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date. The OSP, in good faith and on the basis of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s assurance, granted his request and removed his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons pending his personal attendance at the OSP on the definite date,” it indicated.
It added, “The OSP remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that Mr. Ofori- Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption- related investigations.”
Background
Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit at the Accra High Court, accusing the Special Prosecutor of illegally declaring him wanted and violating his human rights.
The report indicated that the former minister is seeking, among other things, compensation for the violation of his rights and damages caused by the announcement.
Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyers have argued that the wanted declaration has caused him irreparable reputational harm and distress. They have asked the court to rule that the Special Prosecutor’s actions breached his rights to dignity, fair treatment, and administrative justice.
Source: www.ghanaweb.com
