The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person in connection with multiple corruption-related investigations. The allegations involve high-profile financial dealings, including the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and several other cases under scrutiny.
OSP Orders Ofori-Atta to Return for Questioning
At a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed that Ofori-Atta is required to return to Ghana immediately to cooperate with investigations. The OSP has warned that failure to comply will trigger legal measures to compel his return.
Despite reports suggesting that Ofori-Atta had traveled abroad for medical treatment, Agyebeng dismissed these claims, insisting that the former minister must submit to due process.
Allegations Against Ofori-Atta
According to the OSP, Ofori-Atta is implicated in several corruption-related cases, including:
- The contractual agreements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) regarding revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sector.
- The termination of a distribution loss reduction contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology (BXC).
- Procurement irregularities, contractor selection, and financial transactions linked to the National Cathedral project.
- A controversial contract involving the Ministry of Health and Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
- The alleged misuse of the GRA tax refund account.
OSP Refutes Raid Reports, Alleges Misleading Tactics
Agyebeng also refuted circulating reports that OSP officials raided Ofori-Atta’s residence on Tuesday, February 11. Instead, he alleged that the former minister staged the incident to mislead the public and discredit the investigation process.
Ofori-Atta’s Status as a Fugitive
The Special Prosecutor revealed that Ofori-Atta, who is 66 years old, served as Ghana’s Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024. He reportedly left the country on or around January 2, 2025. On January 24, 2025, the OSP officially informed him that he was a suspect in four of the corruption investigations and instructed him to appear for questioning on February 10, 2025, at 10:00 GMT.
However, Ofori-Atta, through his lawyers, informed the OSP that he was out of the country indefinitely for medical reasons, a claim the OSP has challenged.
Next Steps in the Investigation
The OSP’s declaration marks a major step in Ghana’s ongoing anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing the commitment to holding public officials accountable for financial misconduct. With Ofori-Atta now officially declared a fugitive, legal measures are expected to follow if he does not return voluntarily.
Stay tuned to GhanaStream.com for further updates on this developing story.
