The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has questioned why former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, believes he deserves special treatment in an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and related offenses.
At a press briefing in Accra yesterday, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasised that no individual, regardless of title or position is above the law.
He cited former President John Dramani Mahama as an example of a high-profile figure who complied with similar investigative procedures without issue.
“This office investigated a former president. He was served the same kind of directive to appear before the OSP. We didn’t have to chase him around the world – so how much less a former minister? What is so special about Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta that he thinks he is unique and should be treated like a king?”
Following Mr. Ofori-Atta’s failure to appear for a scheduled interview on June 2, the OSP officially declared him a wanted person and a fugitive from justice once again.
Mr. Agyebeng confirmed that extradition proceedings have begun, and an INTERPOL Red Notice has been initiated to facilitate his arrest abroad.
The OSP began its investigation on January 24, 2025 naming Mr. Ofori-Atta as a suspect in multiple corruption-related cases.
He was initially summoned for questioning on February 10, 2025 but, through his lawyers, said he was outside the country receiving medical treatment.
Since then, the OSP has accused him of deliberately stalling the investigation through what it describes as “utter bad faith” and “a baleful spite at law enforcement.”
Medical Excuses Rejected
The SP detailed a timeline of communications with Mr. Ofori-Atta and his legal team, highlighting what it views as a pattern of non-compliance.
After initially citing an indefinite medical stay abroad, Mr. Ofori-Atta later indicated a possible surgery scheduled for March 20–21. Based on this, the OSP extended the deadline and rescheduled the interview for June 2.
However, the surgery did not occur, and the SP claims it was not informed of the change until May 28, 2025.
At that point, his lawyers disclosed a new cancer diagnosis and proposed a video-recorded statement in lieu of an in-person interview – an offer the OSP firmly rejected.
“A suspect in a criminal investigation does not get to dictate how the investigative authority conducts its work. We will not accommodate such conduct, not in this case or any other.”
Legal Action and Broader Impact
Within 30 minutes of the press briefing, the SP had formally requested international enforcement assistance via INTERPOL and began the process of securing Mr. Ofori-Atta’s extradition.
“No person, no matter their title, status, or medical condition is beyond the reach of inquiry by this office,” Mr. Agyebeng declared.
Timeline of Events
January 24, 2025: OSP notifies Mr. Ofori-Atta that he is under investigation and requests his appearance on February 10.
January 31, 2025: His lawyers inform the OSP that he is abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offer to represent him in absentia.
February 5, 2025: OSP rejects the proposal, demands a firm return date, and reminds legal counsel they cannot respond to criminal charges on a client’s behalf.
February 10, 2025: Lawyers submit a generic doctor’s note citing tests and a potential surgery but no confirmed return date.
February 12, 2025: OSP, citing lack of cooperation, declares Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice and acts on an arrest warrant.
February 18, 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta files an appeal for the warrant to be lifted.
March 2025–May 2025: Continued delays, revised medical claims, and lack of updates from Ofori-Atta’s team.
May 28, 2025: Lawyers disclose a new cancer diagnosis and propose a virtual interview.
June 2, 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to appear in person; OSP declares him wanted and seeks INTERPOL’s assistance.
The post Agyebeng Talks Tough: Ofori-Atta Can’t Be Treated Like A King … Says He Is Fugitive From Justice appeared first on The Ghanaian Chronicle.
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