All we know about controversy on Ghana's ex-Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta, who is a fugitive

All we know about controversy on Ghana's ex-Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta, who is a fugitive

By: Nii Ammui Fio | 3 mins read

Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is now officially considered a fugitive as the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) takes steps to compel his return to the country.

The OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, has dismissed claims that Ofori-Atta is unable to return due to medical reasons, insisting that he is deliberately evading corruption investigations.

In a strong statement issued on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Agyebeng made it clear that the OSP will not accept excuses from the former minister’s legal team and will take action to ensure he faces justice.

"OSP is unconvinced that the purported medical report letter transmitted by Mr. Ofori through his lawyers to the OSP represents a medical report to the effect that Mr. Ofori is so incapacitated or so sickly to return to the jurisdiction without impairing his life."

He further emphasized that no serious investigative body would accept such a reason.

"No serious law enforcement agency and certainly not the OSP would be convinced that the purported medical report stops it from demanding the physical appearance of Mr Ofori-Atta before it in the described circumstances. We are of a firm conviction that this is a ruse by Ofori-Atta to avoid returning to the jurisdiction and to personally answer questions before the OSP."

Declaring that Ofori-Atta has no intention of returning voluntarily, Agyebeng issued a final warning:

"He has no intention of willingly returning to the jurisdiction, and that is much clear to us. Consequently... and this is to Mr Ofori-Atta, you have two choices: you can either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily, or the OSP will enforce your return."

Ongoing Corruption Investigations

Ofori-Atta is being investigated for multiple financial dealings, including:

A contract between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors.

The termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xhao Chen Technology BXC for network improvements.

The procurement and financial arrangements of the National Cathedral project.

A controversial contract involving 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

The disbursement and use of funds from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.

Ofori-Atta’s Alleged Raid: Staged or Imposter Action?

The controversy surrounding Ofori-Atta took another twist after reports emerged that his residence in Cantonments, Accra, was allegedly raided on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.

According to eyewitnesses, around 12 individuals—five dressed in military attire, one in a police uniform, and others in plain clothes—stormed the home while some family members, including his wife, were present.

However, the OSP has strongly refuted any involvement in the incident, calling it either a staged event or an act carried out by imposters.

"Mr. Ofori-Atta, the OSP did not raid your house on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, or on any other day. Mr. Ofori-Atta, the OSP did not cause any persons, however, uniformed or bedecked, to raid your house on Tuesday, 11th February 2025, or on any other day. Mr. Ofori-Atta, that could not have been the OSP, and that is not our style."

Agyebeng suggested that the so-called raid was orchestrated to undermine the credibility of the OSP and interfere with its corruption investigations.

"Our intelligence points us to state that the purported raid of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s residence was staged or, at best, an imposter action in an attempt to cause disfavor for the OSP and to derail the investigation. The OSP is never deterred by such occurrences, and the investigations will continue as prescribed by law."