Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will not attend his scheduled appearance before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2, due to an unforeseen decline in his health, according to sources close to him.
His legal representatives have officially informed both the OSP and the Human Rights Court of this situation, providing medical documentation that outlines his current health status and upcoming surgical procedures.
This development has sparked speculation regarding whether Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng will label Mr Ofori-Atta as a wanted person should he fail to attend the meeting on June 2. An earlier statement from the OSP hinted that such a decision could be forthcoming.
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently engaged in a legal dispute at the Human Rights Court, contesting his previous classification as a wanted individual. A ruling on this matter is anticipated on June 18, 2025.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 28, the OSP noted the ongoing court proceedings:
“The Human Rights Court has adjourned to 18 June 2025 for a ruling on a motion filed by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta, seeking to restrain the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted, among other reliefs. Mr Ofori-Atta is also requesting the court to order the OSP to remove previous declarations from its social media platforms. His motion, presented by his legal team, is contested by the OSP. The court will deliver its ruling on the matter on 18 June 2025.”
In the meantime, sources indicate that Mr Ofori-Atta has proposed to engage with the OSP’s investigation virtually, in accordance with the provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act. This arrangement would enable the OSP to acquire a Cautioned Statement from him remotely while he undergoes medical treatment.
The OSP has yet to release any new official statement regarding its next steps.
Key Issues Under Investigation:
• Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Examination of contractual relationships between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
• Electricity Company Contract Termination: Review of the termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
• National Cathedral Project: Scrutiny of procurement processes and financial transactions associated with the National Cathedral.
• Ambulance Procurement: Investigation into a Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the procurement and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
• GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Oversight of the handling and distribution of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
Timeline of Events:
• January 2025: The OSP officially informed Mr Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five distinct cases, requesting his appearance on 10 February 2025.
• 31 January 2025: His legal team notified the OSP that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him remotely.
• 5 February 2025: The OSP rejected claims of indefinite absence, demanding a definitive return date by 10 February 2025, warning of legal repercussions, and reminding that legal representatives cannot respond to criminal charges on behalf of clients.
• 10 February 2025: His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note (not directed to any specific party), indicating he was undergoing tests and potentially surgery, with no clear return date.
• 12 February 2025: Following a lack of cooperation, the OSP declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice, acting on an arrest warrant.
• 18 February 2025: Mr Ofori-Atta appealed to the OSP for removal from the ‘Wanted List’, providing a definite return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted this assurance and removed his name from the list.
Legal Challenge:
• March 2025: Mr Ofori-Atta initiated legal action against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he termed an unlawful declaration of him as wanted. He also requested the removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms.
• 28 March 2025: The Human Rights Court heard an interim application from Mr Ofori-Atta, requesting the court to prevent the OSP from declaring him wanted again.
Next Steps:
• 2 June 2025: Mr Ofori-Atta is expected to report in person to the OSP headquarters. The OSP has indicated that should he fail to appear:
• His name will be reinstated on the list of wanted persons.
• He will once again be classified as a fugitive from justice.
• The OSP will initiate procedures to request an INTERPOL Red Notice.
