Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta faces potential legal repercussions if he fails to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on June 2, 2025. The OSP has warned that non-compliance will result in Ofori-Atta being re-listed as a wanted person and deemed a fugitive from justice. In such a scenario, the OSP intends to issue an Interpol Red Notice and initiate extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction where he may be located.
This development follows a series of events beginning in January 2025, when the OSP invited Ofori-Atta for questioning regarding several investigations, including contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority, the termination of a contract with Beijing Technology Limited, matters related to the National Cathedral Project, procurement of ambulances, and disbursements from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account. Ofori-Atta, who was abroad at the time, cited medical reasons for his inability to attend, leading the OSP to declare him a wanted person and a fugitive from justice in February 2025.
Subsequently, Ofori-Atta communicated his intention to return voluntarily, prompting the OSP to remove his wanted status. However, the OSP has now emphasized that failure to meet the June 2 deadline will result in reinstating his wanted status and pursuing international legal measures to ensure his appearance. In response, Ofori-Atta has initiated legal action against the OSP, challenging the legality of his previous designation as a wanted person and asserting that the OSP overstepped its authority. The situation underscores the OSP's commitment to enforcing accountability and the legal obligations of individuals under investigation.