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Ex-Finance Minister and cousin of former President Akufo-Addo, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been branded a fugitive by the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The dramatic announcement came at a press conference yesterday, with Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng telling Ofori-Atta, “Come back or face the music!”
Ofori-Atta, who fled to the US after the 2024 elections claiming medical treatment, is now officially a wanted man.
The OSP believes he’s faking illness to avoid facing the music over five corruption scandals.
The declaration was made at a press conference held in Accra on Wednesday February 12, 2025.
“OSP declares Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive. Mr. Ofori-Atta, you have two choices—you can return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or face the consequences,” the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng stated.
The declaration escalates Ofori-Atta’s status in respect of some five corruption-related cases that the OSP is investigating, from suspect to runagate.
Mr. Agyebeng indicated the OSP will activate all investigative and accountability mechanisms at the disposal of the state, to have Mr. Ofori-Atta deported back to the country to face justice.
The former Finance Minister who was one of the numerous cousins of former President Akufo-Addo appointed in Mr. Akufo-Addo’s government has a dossier on him with the OSP pertaining to five corruption cases under investigation.
National broadsheet, Daily Graphic, catalogues the cases as:
- Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited & GRA Contract
Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation regarding contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the stated purpose of enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
- ECG and Beijing Technology Limited Contract Termination
The OSP is probing the termination of a distribution loss reduction and network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology Limited.
- National Cathedral Project
Mr. Ofori-Atta is also being investigated over procurement of contractors, materials, activities, and payments in relation to the controversial National Cathedral project.
- Procurement of Ambulances
The former Finance Minister is linked to investigations into contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health (originally initiated by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase, after-sales service, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
- GRA’s Tax Refund Account Payments
The OSP is probing payments made from and the utilization of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.
Explaining the constraints that have led to this declaration, the SP revealed that his office has long invited Mr. Ofori-Atta as a person of interest in respect of the cases however, the man who carved a reputation for himself as the Akufo-Addo government’s chief rip-off merchant responded through his lawyers that he had traveled to the US to seek medical attention.
Speaking to the media however, the OSP indicated his strong belief that Mr. Ofori-Atta has just been deliberately malingering in order to keep away from returning to the country to face justice.
According to the SP, even a supposed raid that happened at the former Finance Minister’s home was staged by Ofori-Atta himself, who remote-controlled the whole drama from the US, apparently in an attempt to fool the US authorities into believing he is being persecuted by the new government in Ghana and therefore grant him refugee status.
The OSP however emphasized that that shenanigans will not pass and that no staff of the OSP was involved in the raid as the impression was created to be.
In the coming days, the OSP is expected to collaborate with Interpol to deport Ofori-Atta back to the country to face justice.