We investigated an ex-President; what’s special about Ofori-Atta? – Special Prosecutor asks
On Monday, June 2, 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), led by Kissi Agyebeng, re-declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted person, following his failure to comply with a directive to appear in person before investigators. The Special Prosecutor defended this action at a press briefing, firmly stating that no individual, regardless of status or past office, is beyond the reach of the law.
Speaking to journalists, Kissi Agyebeng stressed that the move to reclassify Mr Ofori-Atta as a fugitive was procedural and not political. “Is this the first time someone in this country has been declared wanted?” he asked rhetorically. “All the persons previously declared wanted before him—were they not human?”
He further stated, “There’s nothing special about it. It is just a simple legal process. The law must work. Whether you’re a former Finance Minister or not is irrelevant when it comes to accountability.”
The Background: A Trail of Investigations and Missed Deadlines
Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being investigated for a number of high-profile financial irregularities that allegedly took place during his tenure as Minister for Finance between 2017 and 2024 under former President Akufo-Addo. Among the allegations are:
Dubious contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), allegedly costing the state millions under the guise of revenue assurance.
Irregular disbursements related to the controversial National Cathedral project, which continues to face public and legal scrutiny.
Unexplained payments and offshore transfers flagged by civil society organisations and financial auditors.
In February 2025, the OSP first declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive after he allegedly ignored multiple summons. However, following legal discussions and the submission of medical records claiming health challenges, he was temporarily removed from the wanted list.
This time, the OSP reinstated the fugitive label after Mr Ofori-Atta failed to appear in person by the deadline of Monday, June 2, in direct violation of an earlier understanding between his legal team and the Special Prosecutor.
Health Excuses Not Enough, Says Agyebeng
Responding to recent claims by Ibrahim Adjei, a former aide in Akufo-Addo’s office, who insisted that Ofori-Atta’s absence was due to medical reasons, Mr Agyebeng countered that “suspects do not get to dictate how they are investigated.”
He said:
“A suspect in a criminal matter does not choose how the investigative authority should go about investigating. We do not take caution statements online from foreign jurisdictions.”
In other words, Ofori-Atta’s request for a virtual appearance was rejected. The OSP maintains that in-person questioning is essential, especially in cases involving possible financial crime and state losses.
The Special Prosecutor did acknowledge that Ofori-Atta’s team had submitted medical documentation, but he made it clear that those documents do not provide automatic immunity or override the legal requirement to appear in person.
Mahama Was Investigated Too – Agyebeng Fires Back
In an effort to dismantle claims of political witch-hunting, Mr Agyebeng reminded the public that the OSP had previously investigated even former President John Dramani Mahama.
“We investigated a former president, have you forgotten? On August 8, 2024, I came right into this room and told Ghanaians our findings and conclusions. He was served with the same process. He showed up. Much less a former Finance Minister.”
This statement was clearly aimed at critics from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), many of whom have accused the OSP of targeting officials from the previous administration while going soft on members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Legal Consequences: What Happens Next?
By declaring Ofori-Atta wanted once again, the OSP has taken a firm stance. If he continues to evade appearance:
He could be officially labelled a fugitive from justice under Ghanaian law.
The OSP may issue an INTERPOL Red Notice, which would alert international law enforcement to detain him if he is located abroad.
He could face additional charges for obstructing investigations or defying lawful orders.
The OSP has also indicated that it will collaborate with foreign counterparts, including embassies and immigration authorities, to trace Mr Ofori-Atta’s movements and determine whether he is using his medical condition as a smokescreen to avoid justice.