Sources close to former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, have disclosed that the he will not appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) today, Monday, June 2, 2025, as earlier scheduled.
His inability to appear is due to an ill-health which occurred unexpectedly, according to the sources.
Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team have formally relayed the development to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, attaching medical reports that provides details of his condition, with scheduled surgical procedures to be undertaken by the former Finance Minister.
The development comes on the back of a warning from the OSP’s outfit indicating its intention to declare Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted and a fugitive from justice, should he fail to appear before it today, Monday, June 2.
Ofori-Atta was declared wanted and tagged a fugitive from justice, when attempts by the OSP to get him proved futile, following an ongoing investigation. However, the Office later took him off its wanted list following a cooperation from his outfit, where a June 2 deadline was given to him to report to the OSP.
Mr Ofori-Atta has an ongoing legal battle at the Human Rights Court challenging his earlier designation as a wanted person. The case is set for ruling on June 18, 2025.
In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on May 28, the OSP acknowledged the ongoing court process:
“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 asking the court to order the OSP to remove previous declarations from its social media platforms. His motion was moved by his legal team and is being contested by the OSP. The court will deliver its ruling on the matter on 18 June 2025.”
In the meantime, sources close to the former Finance Minister say he has offered to participate in the OSP’s probe virtually, in line with provisions under the Electronic Transactions Act. This would allow the OSP to obtain a Cautioned Statement from him remotely while he undergoes treatment.
But the OSP hasn’t provided any official response to the development yet.
Key issues under investigation
Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance
– Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Electricity company contract termination
– Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
National Cathedral project
– Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral.
Ambulance procurement
– A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.
GRA Tax P-Fund management
– Handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.
Timeline of events
January 2025
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officially notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and requested his appearance on 10 February 2025.
31 January 2025
His lawyers informed the OSP that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him in his absence.
5 February 2025
The OSP rejected the claim of indefinite absence and demanded a firm return date by 10 February 2025, warning of legal consequences. It also reminded that legal representatives cannot respond to criminal charges on behalf of clients.
10 February 2025
His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note (not addressed to any specific party), indicating he was undergoing tests and possibly surgery, with no clear return date.
12 February 2025
With no further 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’ and, for the first time, provided 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 filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he described as 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, asking the court to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted again.
Next steps
2 June 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta was expected to report in person to the OSP headquarters.
