Ken Ofori-Atta’s lawyers are controlling the investigation – OSP told
The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, has raised concerns about how the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is handling its investigation into former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. According to him, the way the OSP is going about the investigation gives too much room for Mr. Ofori-Atta and his lawyers to take charge of the process.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, Baffour Awuah urged the OSP to critically review its current strategy. He observed that the investigative body seems overly reliant on the cooperation of Mr. Ofori-Atta, which, in his view, has allowed the individuals under investigation to control how the process unfolds.
“So it seems that Ken and his lawyers have been dictating the pace,” he said bluntly. “You are an investigative body.”
He emphasized that the OSP should not allow itself to be outsmarted by those it is probing. Baffour Awuah explained that while investigators may sometimes act like they are going along with suspects, it should only be a strategy and not a sign of weakness.
“There are times when investigating bodies pretend to tag along,” he said.
“And not show force, not show authority necessarily. They can pretend to tag along. Before you realise, they’ve hanged you on a gallows.”
He warned that the OSP should not fall into the trap of dancing to the rhythm of those being investigated.
“Even if you want to arrest him, bait him,” he said. “There is a proverb in Twi which translates that if a dishonest person wants to race with you, tell him to take the lead.”
According to the MP, the legal provisions available to the Special Prosecutor already give enough power to act even without the physical presence of Ken Ofori-Atta.
“When you look at Act 30, they don’t need his arrest before proceeding against him,” he said. “They don’t need his presence before arresting him.”
He expressed concern over the seeming lack of movement by the OSP, asking why it appears that the investigation cannot progress without Mr. Ofori-Atta’s involvement.
“If the presence of Ken Ofori-Atta is necessary for determining a prima facie case in the whole investigation, then clearly the case of the OSP is weak,” he said.
“Because it would seem that without Ken’s input, they cannot proceed.”
Baffour Awuah reminded the public that Mr. Ofori-Atta has every constitutional right not to say anything that could be used against him.
“Don’t forget, Ken has a right to remain silent,” he said. “So what if you arrest him and he says he will not talk? Is it the case that then you cannot proceed?”
He concluded by stressing the need for the OSP to adjust its current strategy, as it may not be effective in protecting the public interest.
“I think the approach ought to vary,” he said. “The current path may not serve the public interest.”
In his final remarks, the MP warned that the greatest risk in the situation is allowing the suspect to set the terms of the investigation.