Fugitive to Red Alert: Ken Ofori-Atta's Web of Trouble

Jun 3, 2025 - 00:35

Accra, Ghana - 03 June, 2025 - The ongoing saga between the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has taken a dramatic turn, with the OSP recently activating an INTERPOL Red Alert and declaring him wanted again.

This latest development comes on the heels of a long-standing investigation into several high-profile cases, including petroleum and minerals revenue assurance, electricity company contract termination, and the National Cathedral project, among others.

The complex web of investigations, legal battles, and diplomatic maneuvering between the two parties has sparked questions about accountability, transparency, and the rule of law in Ghana's governance.

With the OSP's latest move, the stakes have been raised, and the outcome is likely to have far-reaching implications for the country's fight against corruption and its economic governance.

Below is a breakdown of events so far;

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.

The development has sparked intense interest and scrutiny, with many awaiting the outcome of the investigations and the potential implications for Ghana's governance and fight against corruption.