Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Set to Arrive in Ghana Today Over OSP Corruption Probe

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is expected to arrive in Ghana today to meet the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) in an investigation over alleged corruption.

Mr Ofori-Atta, who has been out of the country on medical grounds since January 2, 2025, is considered a suspect in five cases the OSP is investigating. Some of these cases are related to the controversial National Cathedral project.

In early February, the OSP declared him wanted and a fugitive of justice, although that order was later rescinded on February 18 after his lawyers communicated a definite date for his return to the country.

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Reports indicate that he may be re-declared wanted if he fails to show up today, June 2, 2025.

“In a statement on Sunday, June 1, the OSP cautioned that should Mr. Ofori-Atta fail to honour the summons, he will be reinstated on its list of wanted persons and officially declared a fugitive from justice.

“The office further indicated it would begin processes to issue an INTERPOL Red Notice, potentially subjecting the former minister to international arrest and extradition,” many reports said.

Key Issues Under Investigation

1. Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance
   – Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2. Electricity Company Contract Termination
   – Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

3. National Cathedral Project
   – Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral.

4. Ambulance Procurement
   – A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.

5. 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.