“Return and Account to Ghana”—Prof. Kwaku Asare Challenges Ofori-Atta as OSP Trial Begins Today

A United States–based Ghanaian legal scholar, Prof. Stephen Kwaku Asare, has issued a bold public challenge to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, urging him to return home and face the 78 corruption-related charges filed against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

According to Prof. Asare, no finance minister in Ghana’s history has ever “run from accountability”, and Ofori-Atta must not become the first.

In a post on his Facebook page, he wrote:
“No finance minister has ever run from accountability. Ken, don’t be the first. Return! Face the OSP!! Clear the air.”

Mr Ofori-Atta, who is currently in the United States for medical treatment, was earlier placed on an INTERPOL Red Notice after repeatedly failing to honour OSP summonses relating to the National Cathedral scandal and revenue assurance contracts awarded to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

Although INTERPOL has since withdrawn the Red Notice following the filing of formal charges, the former minister has not returned to the country.

Today, Monday, 24 November 2025, the OSP is expected to arraign Ofori-Atta and seven others before the court. Prosecutors say they will seek orders to allow service of the charge sheet on all accused persons currently outside the jurisdiction.

On 18 November, the OSP officially charged the former Finance Minister and seven other officials with 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences.
The accused include:

• Ernest Darko Akore – Former Chef de Cabinet to the Finance Minister
• Emmanuel Kofi Nti – Former GRA Commissioner-General
• Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah – Former GRA Commissioner-General
• Isaac Crentsil – Former Customs Commissioner & SML General Manager
• Kwadwo Damoah – Former Customs Commissioner & MP for Jaman South
• Evans Adusei
• Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML)

The OSP says Ofori-Atta will be tried in absentia if he continues to remain outside the country.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng previously announced that investigations uncovered extensive financial irregularities involving officials from the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority, and individuals linked to SML.

As part of restitution efforts, the OSP seeks to recover GH₵125 million from SML, describing it as unjust enrichment obtained “unfairly at the expense of the Republic.”

The case is one of the most high-profile corruption prosecutions in recent years, involving a former finance minister at the centre of key financial decisions during a turbulent economic period.

With the trial opening today, Prof. Asare’s call reflects public demand for accountability and transparency, especially from those who have held the highest public offices.

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