The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has instructed former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to report in person at its headquarters on Monday, June 2, 2025. The office has warned that failure to comply will result in serious consequences.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 1, the OSP stated that if Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to appear, he will be re-listed as a wanted person and officially declared a fugitive from justice.
Additionally, the OSP said it would begin steps to request an INTERPOL Red Notice, which could lead to his arrest and extradition abroad.
This development is part of ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and misuse of office. Mr. Ofori-Atta had previously been removed from the wanted list due to what the OSP described as “substantial cooperation,” but that status is now under review with the looming deadline.
Ongoing Investigations Include:
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Agreements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
- Electricity Contract Cancellation: Termination of a deal between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
- National Cathedral Project: Questions around procurement processes and financial dealings.
- Ambulance Procurement: Ministry of Health’s contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Ltd. for 307 ambulances.
- GRA Tax P-Fund: Management and allocation of GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
Timeline of Key Events:
- January 2025: OSP names Ofori-Atta as a suspect in five cases, summons him for questioning on February 10.
- January 31: His legal team responds that he is abroad indefinitely for medical treatment and offers to represent him.
- February 5: OSP rejects indefinite absence and demands a firm return date by February 10, reiterating that lawyers cannot appear in lieu of suspects in criminal cases.
- February 10: Lawyers submit a general medical note mentioning ongoing tests and potential surgery, without specifying a return date.
- February 12: Due to a lack of further cooperation, OSP declares him a fugitive and enforces an arrest warrant.
- February 18: Ofori-Atta pledges to return in May and appeals for removal from the wanted list; OSP agrees.
- March 2025: Ofori-Atta sues the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, demanding compensation and removal of “wanted” declarations from social media.
- March 28: Human Rights Court hears his application to stop the OSP from re-declaring him wanted.
Upcoming Deadline:
- June 2, 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta is required to appear at the OSP in person.
If he fails to do so:
- He will be re-listed as a wanted individual.
- He will again be declared a fugitive.
- The OSP will seek an INTERPOL Red Notice to trigger international arrest and extradition proceedings.
