Raid of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged to derail investigation - OSP

Accra, Ghana - 12 Feb, 2025 - Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has denied involvement in an alleged raid on the residence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, suggesting instead that the incident was staged by the former minister himself.

The OSP's Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, dismissed claims that his office was involved in the raid, which occurred on Tuesday, February 11, while Ofori-Atta was out of the country receiving medical treatment in the United States.

At a press brief on Wednesday, Agyebeng stated that the OSP follows strict procedures when conducting searches, ensuring their presence is unmistakable.

He emphasized that if the OSP were to enter Ofori-Atta's premises, there would be no doubt about their identity. 

The Special Prosecutor also suggested that the alleged raid was an attempt to discredit the OSP and derail its ongoing investigations into Ofori-Atta's activities.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta, the OSP did not raid your house on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, or on any other day. Mr. Ofori-Atta, the OSP did not cause any person, however uniformed, to raid your house on February 11, 2025, or on any other day. That could not have been the OSP, and that is not our style. If the OSP enters your premises, you will not be in doubt as to where the OSP had come from, and your lawyers will not have cause to inquire as to whether it was the OSP,” Agyebeng stated.

“We have our unique methods of searches that are specifically designed to identify ourselves, not just by stating that we are from the OSP,” he added.

“Our intelligence points us to state that the purported raid of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged or, at best, an imposter action in an attempt to cause disfavor for the OSP and to derail the investigation. The OSP is never deterred by such occurrences, and the investigations will continue as prescribed by law,'' he added.

The OSP has officially declared Ofori-Atta a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations, including cases related to the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and two other undisclosed cases. Agyebeng has warned that Ofori-Atta must return to Ghana immediately to face questioning, emphasizing that failure to comply would result in measures being taken to compel his return.

The four cases under investigation involve:

• National Cathedral Procurement Scandal: Ofori-Atta is being investigated over procurement irregularities related to the controversial National Cathedral project.
  - Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML) Contract: The OSP is probing a contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML).
  - ECG and Beijing Jao Loss Reduction Contract: Another case under investigation involves a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Jao, aimed at reducing system losses.
  - Health Ministry's Contracts with Service Ghana Auto Limited (Ambulances Deal): The Special Prosecutor is also looking into contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health to Service Ghana Auto Limited for the procurement of ambulances.

Source: Lead News Online