The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has warned that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will be re-listed as a wanted person if he does not appear for questioning on June 2. In a statement addressing a lawsuit filed by Mr. Yaw Ofori-Atta, which challenges the OSP’s earlier declaration that he is a fugitive from justice, the OSP clarified that it removed his name from its wanted list in good faith after receiving a request from him.
“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.”
The statement further stressed that Ofori-Atta is “mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025.” It warned that failure to do so would result in his re-listing as a wanted person and being considered a fugitive from justice. “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 reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring accountability, stating: “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.”
Ofori-Atta Challenges OSP’s Actions in Court
The OSP’s response follows a lawsuit filed by Ken Ofori-Atta seeking a court injunction to prevent the agency from re-declaring him wanted. He argues that the OSP’s actions are baseless and unjustified. The legal battle stems from the OSP’s announcement earlier this year labeling him a fugitive in connection with alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
The former minister has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he has cooperated with the investigation through his legal representatives. In his suit, Ofori-Atta contends that the OSP’s actions have caused “significant damage to his reputation and personal life.” He is asking the court to restrain the OSP from making any further declarations against him until the legal process is fully resolved.
By: Abigail Arthur
