Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to miss his scheduled appearance before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2, due to what sources describe as a sudden decline in his medical condition.
His legal team has since informed both the OSP and the Human Rights Court, furnishing medical reports that detail his diagnosis and outline forthcoming surgical procedures.
The development has reignited speculation about whether the OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, will once again label Mr Ofori-Atta a wanted person.
READ ALSO: You’ll be declared wanted again if you fail to show up on June 2- Special Prosecutor to Ofori-Atta
An earlier communication from the OSP hinted at the likelihood of such a move if the former minister failed to comply with the June 2 summons.
Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta is pursuing legal redress at the Human Rights Court, challenging a prior declaration by the OSP, which listed him as wanted.
That matter is now awaiting a judicial ruling scheduled for 18th June 2025. The OSP, in a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on 28th May, confirmed:
“The Human Rights Court has adjourned to 18 June 2025 for a ruling on a motion filed by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta, seeking to restrain the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted, among other reliefs.”
His legal application further requests that the OSP be compelled to delete any social media posts branding him as a fugitive.
READ ALSO: Court to rule on Ofori-Atta's suit against Special Prosecutor June 18
While the motion has already been moved by his lawyers, it is being fiercely contested by the OSP, with the legal showdown expected to climax later this month.
Despite his absence, Mr Ofori-Atta is said to be cooperating with investigators and has offered to participate in the inquiry virtually.
His team has proposed that, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act, a remote session be held so the OSP may obtain his Cautioned Statement during his treatment.
The OSP has yet to indicate whether it will accept this arrangement.
Key Issues Under Investigation
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance
– Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). - Electricity Company Contract Termination
– Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC). - National Cathedral Project
– Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral. - Ambulance Procurement
– A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances. - GRA Tax P-Fund Management
– Handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.
Timeline of Events
- January 2025
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officially notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and requested his appearance on 10 February 2025. - 31 January 2025
His lawyers informed the OSP that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him in his absence. - 5 February 2025
The OSP rejected the claim of indefinite absence and demanded a firm return date by 10 February 2025, warning of legal consequences. It also reminded that legal representatives cannot respond to criminal charges on behalf of clients. - 10 February 2025
His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note (not addressed to any specific party), indicating he was undergoing tests and possibly surgery, with no clear return date. - 12 February 2025
With no further cooperation, the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice, acting on an arrest warrant. - 18 February 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta appealed to the OSP for removal from the ‘Wanted List’ and, for the first time, provided a definite return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted this assurance and removed his name from the list.
Legal Challenge
- March 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he described as an unlawful declaration of him as wanted. He also requested the removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms. - 28 March 2025
The Human Rights Court heard an interim application from Mr. Ofori-Atta, asking the court to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted again.
Next Steps
- 2 June 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to report in person to the OSP headquarters. - The OSP has stated that if he fails to appear:
– His name will be added back to the list of wanted persons.
– He will once again be declared a fugitive from justice.
– The OSP will initiate the process to request an INTERPOL Red Notice.