Editorial: OSP hunts Ken Ofori-Atta

The immediate-past finance minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta – who served from 2017 to 2024, has been declared a fugitive from justice following his failure to appear for questioning in connection with multiple corruption-related investigations.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) made the declaration during a media briefing in Accra on February 12 addressed by the Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, where he outlined allegations against the former minister and steps being taken to ensure his return to the country.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is facing investigations related to several high-profile financial transactions. They include his involvement in contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and Ghana Revenue Authority, a deal aimed at enhancing revenue assurance in the petroleum and mining sectors.

Another case under scrutiny involves termination of a contract between Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC), a deal that was meant to improve electricity distribution and reduce losses.

Financial activities related to the controversial National Cathedral project and procurement of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service under a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health have also been tabled for scrutiny.

Additionally, payments made from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s Tax Refund Account are part of the investigations.

“These cases point to significant financial transactions involving state resources and it is necessary for Mr. Ofori-Atta to answer questions regarding his role in them,” Mr. Agyebeng stated.

Mr. Ofori-Atta left the jurisdiction on or around January 2 and the OSP officially notified him on January 24; but his legal representatives responded on January 31, stating that he was out of the country indefinitely for medical treatment and would notify the OSP upon his return.

Obviously, this explanation has been rejected by the OSP – hence, Mr. Ofori-Atta was given until February 10 to indicate a reasonable date for his return. On February 10, his lawyers submitted a medical letter from an unnamed foreign doctor stating that he was undergoing medical evaluation, further testing and possible surgery at a later date.

They also requested that the OSP reschedule his appearance to take his health condition into account. However, the Special Prosecutor dismissed the medical claims – arguing that they lacked sufficient evidence to justify his indefinite absence.

“The OSP is unconvinced that the purported medical letter represents a report proving that Mr. Ofori-Atta is incapacitated or unable to return without endangering his life.”

The post Editorial: OSP hunts Ken Ofori-Atta appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story