The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has categorically denied claims that it declared former Minister of Finance, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, wanted without first securing a valid arrest warrant. This clarification follows widespread speculation and media commentary regarding the legal procedures used in the ongoing investigation involving Mr. Ofori-Atta.
Kenneth Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister for several years, was recently placed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice list. His inclusion on the international wanted persons list stems from his alleged failure to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor as scheduled. The OSP had summoned him to answer questions relating to multiple allegations of corruption and abuse of office, including the controversial ambulance procurement deal and the construction of the National Cathedral.
During an appearance on JoyNews’ flagship current affairs programme, NewsFile, aired on June 7, 2025, the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the OSP, Samuel Darko, addressed the issue and clarified the legal steps taken by the office. According to Mr. Darko, the OSP had obtained an arrest warrant for Mr. Ofori-Atta as far back as February 2025, months before the declaration that he was wanted.
“Before we declare someone wanted, we will go for a warrant from a court of law. So, it’s not true that the OSP just issued a warrant. I think somewhere in February, that’s when we went for the warrant for Mr. Ofori-Atta,” Mr. Darko stated.
To support his statement, Mr. Darko displayed the official document, titled “Warrant of Arrest in the Supreme Court of Ghana,” dated February 12, 2025. The document accuses Kenneth Ofori-Atta of “using public office for private profit,” a serious offense under Ghanaian law. The allegations are tied to high-profile government projects that have attracted significant public scrutiny, especially the controversial National Cathedral project and the alleged misuse of funds in the procurement of ambulances.
Darko emphasized that the OSP’s decision to seek an arrest warrant was driven by an inability to locate Mr. Ofori-Atta for questioning. He noted that although law enforcement agencies such as the OSP, the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), and the Ghana Police Service have the authority to arrest suspects without a warrant under certain conditions, they sometimes opt for warrants to eliminate ambiguity and ensure public cooperation.
“You cannot declare a person wanted when you are not searching for him or her to arrest the person. The OSP, EOCO, and the Ghana Police do not require a warrant to arrest a suspect. We don’t need it. Act 30 says that we can arrest you with a warrant or we can arrest you without a warrant,” Darko explained.
He further elaborated on the reasons for seeking a court-issued arrest warrant in this particular case. According to him, arrest warrants serve multiple purposes, including enhancing the transparency of the legal process, avoiding confrontations during arrest attempts, and facilitating international cooperation through bodies like INTERPOL.
“The only reason why sometimes we go for a warrant is to kill all doubt. Sometimes, when you go, they are very violent and all that. Then the most crucial one is, if you find us going for an arrest warrant, it means that we are not able to locate you. So, we want people to help us arrest you. And the only way to do that is to be able to get around the warrant and then declare you wanted,” Darko added.
The declaration of Kenneth Ofori-Atta as wanted and the subsequent placement on INTERPOL’s Red Notice have generated widespread discussion, especially in political and legal circles. Critics of the former minister argue that the charges and the legal steps taken by the OSP highlight the need for accountability in public office. On the other hand, supporters claim that the move is politically motivated and aimed at discrediting Ofori-Atta.
Legal analysts have weighed in on the matter, stressing the importance of following due process. According to constitutional lawyer Justice Sarpong, the steps taken by the OSP appear to align with Ghana’s legal standards. “If indeed a warrant was secured from the Supreme Court, and if the individual has been avoiding lawful summons, then the OSP is well within its rights to take these measures,” he said.
The case has also reignited public interest in the handling of corruption allegations involving high-ranking officials. Many Ghanaians are calling for a swift, transparent, and impartial process that holds all public servants accountable, regardless of their political affiliations.
As the investigation continues, the OSP maintains its stance that all actions taken have been in full compliance with the law. The office has assured the public that it remains committed to combating corruption and promoting integrity in public service.
Meanwhile, efforts to locate Kenneth Ofori-Atta are ongoing. With his placement on INTERPOL’s Red Notice, international law enforcement agencies have been alerted to aid in his apprehension should he be found in any cooperating jurisdiction.
This developing story is expected to shape public discourse in the coming weeks, especially as the nation inches closer to the 2025 general elections, where issues of governance, transparency, and anti-corruption measures are expected to take center stage.
View a video of these remarks and the warrant below:
