Ofori-Atta Must Appear by June 2 else he will be Declared Wanted - OSP

Mar 17, 2025 - 09:07

Ken Ofori-Atta is a former Finance Minister of Ghana

Accra, Ghana - 17 March, 2025 - Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a warning to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, stating that he will be re-declared a wanted person if he fails to appear for questioning on June 2.

The OSP's warning comes amidst a heated legal battle, with Ofori-Atta challenging the agency's earlier declaration that he was a fugitive. In a statement, the OSP clarified that it removed Ofori-Atta's name from its wanted list in good faith, after he assured them he would make himself available for questioning.

However, the OSP stressed in a statement on Monday 17 March, that Ofori-Atta is "mandatorily required" to appear in person on June 2. Failure to do so will trigger a series of consequences, including the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice and extradition proceedings.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta formally requested the OSP to remove his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons with the assurance to the OSP that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date.

“The OSP, in good faith and on the basis of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s assurance, granted his request and removed his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons pending his personal attendance at the OSP on the definite date.”

“If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the scheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall consider him a fugitive from justice; whereupon the OSP will cause the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice in his regard and also cause the initiation of extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction in which he may be found.”

“The OSP remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that Mr. Ofori-Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption-related investigations,'' portions of the statement read.

Ofori-Atta has consistently denied allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, maintaining that he has cooperated with the investigation through his legal representatives.

However, the OSP's actions suggest that the agency is determined to hold him accountable.

Read the full statement from the Office of the Special Prosecutor below.