Ofori-Atta Requests Virtual Meeting with OSP Citing Health Concerns

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is unlikely to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2, as originally planned, due to a reported decline in his health condition. Sources close to him confirmed that his legal team has submitted medical documentation to both the OSP and the Human Rights Court, indicating his need for surgery and ongoing treatment.

Amid speculation that the OSP may reissue a “wanted” notice if Ofori-Atta misses the appointment, the Special Prosecutor’s office had earlier hinted that such action was imminent.

Ofori-Atta is currently contesting a previous declaration that named him a wanted individual. That case is pending before the Human Rights Court, which is scheduled to deliver a ruling on June 18, 2025. According to an OSP update posted on X (formerly Twitter) on May 28, the court has deferred its decision on Ofori-Atta’s motion to block further public notices and remove earlier announcements from OSP’s platforms.

In light of his medical situation, Ofori-Atta has offered to engage with the OSP remotely, under the provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act. This would allow investigators to collect his Cautioned Statement virtually while he continues treatment.

As of now, the OSP has not issued an official update on whether it will accept the virtual session proposal.

Investigations Involving Ofori-Atta:

1. Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance – Examining agreements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
2. Electricity Contract Termination – Involves the termination of a deal between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
3. National Cathedral Project – Scrutiny of procurement and financial activities related to the controversial project.
4. Ambulance Procurement – A contract between the Ministry of Health and Service Ghana Auto Group Ltd concerning 307 ambulances.
5. GRA Tax P-Fund – Investigating the use and distribution of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.

Timeline of Events:

• January 2025: OSP officially notifies Ofori-Atta of his suspect status and requests his appearance on February 10.
• January 31: His lawyers inform the OSP that he is abroad for medical reasons and cannot attend.
• February 5: OSP demands a concrete return date, rejecting indefinite absence.
• February 10: A non-specific medical note is submitted, lacking a return timeline.
• February 12: OSP declares Ofori-Atta a fugitive following lack of cooperation.
• February 18: Ofori-Atta provides a firm return date; his name is removed from the wanted list.
• March 2025: He sues the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation and removal of prior declarations.
• March 28: Court hears his interim motion to restrain the OSP from issuing further wanted notices.

Upcoming Developments:

• June 2, 2025: Scheduled date for Ofori-Atta’s appearance at the OSP.
  • If he fails to appear, the OSP has warned it may:
    • Reinstate his name on the wanted list
    • Redesignate him a fugitive
    • Initiate an INTERPOL Red Notice request.