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Ghana's former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is no longer a fugitive
Ghana's former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is no longer a fugitive
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, has been removed from the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) list of wanted persons after confirming his intention to return to the country.
In a statement dated February 18, the OSP announced that Mr. Ofori-Atta, through his legal representatives, had provided a definite date for his voluntary return, prompting the office to reconsider his status.
"This marks a major shift from Mr. Ofori-Atta's previous intention of remaining outside the jurisdiction indefinitely," the statement noted, adding that his commitment to return had been deemed reasonable.
Following this development, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has rescheduled the date for Mr. Ofori-Atta’s appearance before the OSP to align with his stated return.
"Consequently, Mr. Ofori-Atta has been removed from the OSP's list of wanted persons, and the OSP ceases to consider Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice pending his voluntary return to the jurisdiction circa his stated date," the statement confirmed.
However, the OSP cautioned that failing to honor this commitment would have legal implications.
"If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to voluntarily return to the jurisdiction circa his stated date, and if Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the rescheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP's list of wanted persons, and the OSP shall then consider him a fugitive from justice, and the OSP shall take all necessary legal steps to secure his return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP at our own choosing," the statement warned.
Last week, Mr. Ofori-Atta was declared wanted by the OSP for allegedly causing financial losses to the state in various transactions, including:
A contract between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority aimed at improving revenue collection in the petroleum and mining sectors.
The termination of a distribution and loss reduction contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xhao Chen Technology BXC.
Procurement-related transactions and payments linked to the National Cathedral project.
A contract for the supply and maintenance of ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
The disbursement and management of funds in the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.
Before this latest development, the OSP had shared an infographic on social media, suggesting that Mr. Ofori-Atta was possibly in the United States or the United Kingdom. The office had encouraged the public to provide information on his whereabouts.
With his commitment to return, the former minister is no longer considered a fugitive, though his legal battle is far from over.
