The Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Sammy Darko, has refuted claims of a misunderstanding or tension between the OSP and the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice (AG) regarding the ongoing extradition process of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
According to him, reports suggesting a rift between the two state institutions are “entirely false,” stressing that both offices are working in close coordination toward a common objective.
“There is no bad blood between the OSP and the Attorney-General, nor is there any contention over the case docket. The issue at hand is primarily one of timing,” he clarified in a Facebook post.
Mr. Darko explained that the OSP is currently finalising its investigations and preparing to transmit all relevant documents to the AG’s office, which will then proceed with the formal extradition.
He noted that the OSP is close to completing its work on several cases involving Mr. Ofori-Atta and intends to file additional charges before forwarding the case materials to the Attorney-General.
The clarification comes amid public speculation following delays in the extradition process. Mr. Darko acknowledged the growing pressure on the Attorney-General to expedite proceedings but appealed for patience, citing the need for due process and thoroughness.
“The OSP operates as an independent prosecutorial body with investigative powers and a specific jurisdiction over corruption-related offences, which Mr. Ofori-Atta is alleged to have breached,” he stated.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the “partial leakage of information” related to the case, warning that such actions could endanger OSP officers and compromise the integrity of ongoing investigations.
“Certainly, the leak could not have originated from the OSP. The Office would never compromise the safety of its officers or jeopardise a case it has pursued diligently since February,” Mr. Darko emphasized.
Mr. Ofori-Atta has been placed on a wanted list, with an Interpol Red Notice issued to aid in his arrest abroad as part of ongoing corruption investigations.
The OSP is expected to submit the required documentation to the Attorney-General this week to facilitate the next steps in the extradition process.
