The Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng has announced the re-declaration of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a “wanted person,” initiating an Interpol Red Notice and extradition proceedings.
The move comes after what the OSP described as a series of evasive maneuvers and acts of “utter bad faith” by Mr. Ofori-Atta in an ongoing investigation.
Addressing a packed room of journalists, Special Prosecutor Agyabeng provided a detailed timeline of communication between his office and Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team, painting a picture of deliberate delay and obstruction.
According to the OSP, the chronology of events began on February 12, when Mr. Ofori-Atta was initially declared a “fugitive from justice.” This declaration was met with a letter from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, vehemently attacking the Special Prosecutor and threatening legal action.
On February 18, the OSP temporarily removed Mr. Ofori-Atta from the wanted list. However, this respite was short-lived.
The Special Prosecutor revealed that on May 28, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers informed the OSP that their client had been diagnosed with cancer and was scheduled for surgery on June 13. They argued that these “changed circumstances” should be considered by the OSP, offering a video interview and the viewing of a biopsy report as alternatives to a physical appearance.
However, Mr. Agyabeng highlighted a critical discrepancy. He stated that a letter from February 18 clearly indicated a planned surgery in March, prompting the OSP’s expectation of a June 2 appearance. “Mr. Ofori-Atta had a duty to prompt the OSP about the surgery not happening,” Mr. Agyabeng asserted. He further alleged that “since March 21, Ken knew no surgery was to be performed and sat indolently.”
The OSP viewed the May 28 offer of a video interview and biopsy report as a “surprise” tactic. “The OSP declined the video interview,” Mr. Agyabeng stated, emphasizing that such an option would have been considered in February, but not now. He firmly declared, “A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose the conduct of the investigation.”
Similarly, the OSP declined to view the biopsy report, deeming it a “conclusion” and “not a subject of a medical report indicating he is invalid and cannot travel.” Mr. Agyabeng stressed that since January 24, Mr. Ofori-Atta has “failed to show any medical report that suggests he is a travel risk. It’s all been his say so.”
The Special Prosecutor concluded that the May 28 letter from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers demonstrated “utter bad faith,” reinforcing the OSP’s belief that “Ken has no intention to return to the country to answer questions.” He condemned Mr. Ofori-Atta’s conduct as “unacceptable and a spite at lawful investigations.”
Consequently, Special Prosecutor Agyabeng announced the immediate re-declaration of Mr. Ofori-Atta as a “wanted person.” He affirmed the OSP’s commitment to “take all action to have him returned,” confirming that an Interpol Red Alert has been issued and “extradition processes instituted to have Ken arrested and brought to Ghana.”
The Special Prosecutor also indicated that the OSP “will proffer criminal charges soon.” He concluded with a stern warning, “No person is beyond the enquiry of the OSP.”
The re-declaration and subsequent actions by the OSP signal a significant escalation in the investigation involving the former Finance Minister, setting the stage for a potentially protracted legal battle.
