The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a final directive to Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to present himself at its headquarters by Monday, June 2, 2025, or face severe legal consequences, including an international arrest warrant.
In a statement released on Sunday, June 1, the OSP made it clear that Mr Ofori-Atta’s continued absence would not be tolerated and would result in his name being re-added to the list of wanted persons.
The OSP further revealed it would begin the process of issuing an INTERPOL Red Notice, which could subject the former minister to global arrest and extradition.
The ultimatum follows a prolonged standoff between Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team and the special prosecutor over his alleged role in a string of high-level corruption and abuse of office cases.
Five Major Investigations Involving Ofori-Atta
Mr Ofori-Atta is a subject of investigation in at least five separate matters currently being pursued by the Special Prosecutor:
- National Cathedral Project
– Alleged procurement breaches and questionable financial transactions tied to Ghana’s controversial religious infrastructure project. - ECG-BXC Contract Termination
– Scrutiny over the cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Chinese firm Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC). - Petroleum & Minerals Revenue Assurance
– Investigations into the contractual agreements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). - Ambulance Procurement Scandal
– Concerns over procurement and servicing contracts between the Ministry of Health and Service Ghana Auto Group for 307 ambulances. - GRA Tax P-Fund Management
– Examination of the use and disbursement of public funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
Timeline of a Legal Saga
- January 2025:
Mr Ofori-Atta was formally notified that he was a suspect and was required to appear before the OSP on February 10, 2025. - 31 January 2025:
His lawyers responded that he was abroad for medical reasons and could not attend in person, offering to represent him instead. - 5 February 2025:
The OSP rejected this explanation, insisting on his physical presence and warning of potential legal action. - 10 February 2025:
A doctor’s note — not addressed to any official body — was submitted, stating Mr Ofori-Atta was undergoing medical tests, with no clear return date. - 12 February 2025:
With no further cooperation, the OSP officially declared him a fugitive from justice. - 18 February 2025:
Mr Ofori-Atta appealed for reconsideration, this time providing a definitive return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted and removed him from the wanted list. - March 2025:
Mr Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking damages and the removal of his name and photos from public databases and social media. - 28 March 2025:
The Human Rights Court heard an interim motion asking that the OSP be barred from declaring him wanted again without court approval.
Now, the grace period granted to Mr Ofori-Atta appears to have run its course. The OSP’s statement on June 1 signals a dramatic shift in tone and urgency:
“Mr Ken Ofori-Atta is directed to appear in person at the Office of the Special Prosecutor by 9:00 AM on Monday, June 2, 2025. Failure to comply will result in his name being reinstated on the list of wanted persons and the commencement of INTERPOL Red Notice procedures.”
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