By Joshua Worlasi AMLANU
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former finance minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice, following his failure to appear for questioning in connection with multiple corruption-related investigations.
The announcement was made by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng during a media briefing in Accra on February 12, when he outlined the allegations against the former minister and steps being taken to ensure his return to Ghana.
Mr. Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024, is facing investigations related to several high-profile financial transactions. These include his involvement in contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and Ghana Revenue Authority, a deal aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the petroleum and mining sectors.
Another case under scrutiny involves the termination of a contract between Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC), a deal that was meant to improve electricity distribution and reduce losses.
The OSP is also investigating financial activities related to the controversial National Cathedral project and procurement of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health.
Additionally, payments made from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Tax Refund Account are part of the investigations.
“These cases point to significant financial transactions involving state resources and it is necessary for Mr. Ofori-Atta to answer questions regarding his role in them,” Mr. Agyebeng stated.
Failure to appear before the OSP
The Special Prosecutor revealed that Ofori-Atta left Ghana on or around January 2, 2025. On January 24, the OSP officially notified him that he was considered a suspect in four of the ongoing investigations and directed him to appear in person for questioning on February 10.
However, his legal representatives responded on January 31 by stating that he was out of the country indefinitely for medical treatment and would notify the OSP upon his return.
The OSP rejected this explanation, insisting that his personal attendance was required. Ofori-Atta was given until February 10 to indicate a reasonable date for his return. Instead, on February 10 his lawyers submitted a medical letter from an unnamed foreign doctor stating that he was undergoing medical evaluation, further testing and possible surgery at a later date. They requested that the OSP reschedule his appearance to take his health condition into account.
However, the Special Prosecutor dismissed the medical claims – arguing that they lacked sufficient evidence to justify his indefinite absence.
“The OSP is unconvinced that the purported medical letter represents a report proving that Mr. Ofori-Atta is incapacitated or unable to return without endangering his life,” Mr. Agyebeng said. “No serious law enforcement agency would be convinced by such a document – and certainly not the OSP.”
The Special Prosecutor (SP) maintained that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s decision to stay outside the country indefinitely suggested an intention to evade justice rather than a legitimate medical concern.
“We are of the firm conviction that this is a ruse employed to avoid returning to Ghana and answering questions in respect of these investigations,” he added.
Alleged Raid on Ofori-Atta’s Residence
In an unexpected turn of events, lawyers of the former finance minister wrote to the OSP on February 11 claiming that a group of uniformed and plainclothes men, including a police officer and four military personnel, had raided his residence. According to the letter, these individuals entered the house by force, conducted a search and examined various rooms, offices and gym facilities.
Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team inquired whether the OSP had sanctioned the operation, suggesting that if the raid was unauthorised they might file a formal complaint with the police.
Responding to these claims, Mr. Agyebeng categorically denied any involvement by the OSP – describing the alleged raid as either a staged event or an imposter-action designed to discredit the office and derail its investigation.
“The OSP did not raid Mr. Ofori-Atta’s house on February 11 or any other day,” Agyebeng stated. “If the OSP enters your premises, you will not be in doubt about whether it was us and your lawyers would not need to conduct an inquiry.”
He further noted that the OSP has specific procedures for conducting searches and that its personnel are clearly identifiable.
“Our intelligence suggests that this so-called raid was orchestrated to generate negative publicity against the OSP,” he added.
Declaration as a fugitive from justice
Following Ofori-Atta’s failure to provide a credible timeline for his return, the OSP formally declared him a fugitive and vowed to take all necessary legal measures to ensure his return to Ghana.
“Ofori-Atta has two choices: he can return voluntarily or the OSP will enforce his return,” the SP warned.
This development adds to the growing number of corruption-related probes under the OSP’s jurisdiction.
Mr. Agyebeng reaffirmed the office’s commitment to investigating corruption cases without political bias, emphasising that no individual is above the law.
Broader investigations by the OSP
Beyond the case of Mr. Ofori-Atta, the OSP has also launched investigations into other high-profile corruption allegations. One of these involves suspected financial mismanagement at the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), particularly regarding payments related to Agyapa Royalties Limited, the Small Scale Mining Incubation Programme and the Quarry Value Addition Programme.
Two former officials and two current executives of MIIF are reportedly under investigation for their roles in questionable transactions involving state funds.
Additionally, the OSP is investigating an alleged embezzlement of GH¢1.3 billion from the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).
The primary suspects in this case include UPPF Coordinator Jacob Amuah, NPA staff members Freda Tandoh and Wendy Ashong Newman, as well as a former Chief Executive-NPA, Mustapha Abdul-Hamid.
Another major case under prosecution involves payroll fraud within the Ghana Education Service and the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
The OSP has charged six individuals with corruption offences related to siphoning funds through fictitious salaries. Those accused include a former teacher, a headmaster and other education officers who allegedly manipulated government payroll records for financial gain.
