OSP Gets Green Light to Declare Ken Ofori-Atta Wanted, Court Imposes GH¢5,000 Fine

Accra, Ghana - 19 June, 2025 - The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has successfully opposed an attempt by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta to block the declaration of him as wanted.

The Human Rights Court dismissed Mr Ofori-Atta's application, paving the way for the OSP to proceed with its investigations.

According to the OSP, the court's decision allows the office to take necessary steps in its pursuit of justice. Mr Ofori-Atta is currently subject to an active Interpol Red Notice, and extradition proceedings have been initiated to secure his return to Ghana.

''The Human Rights Court has dismissed an application by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta, who sought to prevent the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted ahead of his scheduled appearance on 2 June 2025,'' the OSP wrote on X. 

''Mr Ofori-Atta, who is under multiple investigations by the OSP and other state agencies relating to his tenure in office, had asked the court to restrain the OSP from issuing a "wanted" notice and from circulating his image online. He is currently the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice, and extradition proceedings have begun with the relevant authorities to secure his return to Ghana.

''The dismissed application forms part of a series of civil suits he has filed against the OSP and the Republic, either to halt its operations or challenge the issuance of arrest warrants in the ongoing probes,'' the statement added.

The OSP has been investigating Mr Ofori-Atta over allegations of financial impropriety and corruption during his tenure as Finance Minister. The investigations have been ongoing for several months, and the OSP has been working to gather evidence and build a case against Mr Ofori-Atta.

The court's decision is a major setback for Mr Ofori-Atta, who has been accused of involvement in various financial scandals, including the Ghana International Bank (GIB) scandal and allegations of financial loss to the state through the Agyapa Royalties deal.

The OSP has also been investigating Mr Ofori-Atta's role in the COVID-19 procurement scandal.

With the court's dismissal of his application, the OSP is now free to proceed with its investigations and take necessary steps to ensure that Mr Ofori-Atta faces justice.

Source: Lead News Online