Court Rejects Ofori-Atta’s Bid to Stop OSP from Declaring Him Wanted

The Human Rights Court has dismissed an application filed by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, which sought to block the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted ahead of his scheduled appearance on June 2, 2025.

Ofori-Atta, currently facing multiple investigations by the OSP and other state bodies over alleged misconduct during his time in office, had petitioned the court to restrain the OSP from issuing a public “wanted” notice and sharing his image online.

He is presently the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice, and extradition efforts are underway to facilitate his return to Ghana.

This legal challenge is one of several lawsuits Ofori-Atta has filed in an attempt to halt the OSP’s investigations or to contest the issuance of arrest warrants connected to ongoing corruption probes.

Background

On February 12, the OSP labeled Ofori-Atta a fugitive, citing his repeated failure to honor invitations for questioning in relation to ongoing corruption investigations. The OSP defended the public notice as necessary due to his absence, which they argued was hampering their work.

In response, Ofori-Atta’s legal team argued that the declaration was unfair and unjustified, maintaining that he had not deliberately ignored the OSP’s summons. They claimed his absence was due to serious health issues, including preparations for a significant medical procedure—information they say was properly communicated to the OSP.

Although the OSP removed Ofori-Atta’s name from the wanted list on February 18, 2025, following assurances of his return to the country, his lawyers remained dissatisfied.

In his court application, Ofori-Atta claimed that the OSP’s actions violated his rights to dignity, fair treatment, and administrative justice, and he sought compensation for reputational damage.

However, the court ruled against him, upholding the OSP’s actions as lawful and dismissing his application.