The lawyers of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta have responded to the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) after the agency placed him on its wanted list.
Mr Ofori-Atta is being investigated by the OSP for a series of corruption-related cases, including contracts linked to the National Cathedral, the loss reduction agreement between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Jao, and procurement issues with the Health Ministry and Service Ghana Auto Limited.
On February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced that Mr Ofori-Atta had failed to honour multiple invitations to answer questions regarding the ongoing investigations, leading to the declaration of him as a fugitive.
“He is a fugitive from the law,” Mr Agyebeng stated.
In response, Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team clarified that the former minister was out of the country for medical reasons.
A letter sent to the OSP highlighted that Mr Ofori-Atta had informed both the former and current Chief of Staff of his medical trip in early January.
His lawyers stated that he is undergoing medical treatment and would return to Ghana once his condition allows.
The letter further mentioned that Mr Ofori-Atta’s legal team would provide any necessary information to assist the investigation until his return.
They also requested a rescheduling of the invitation for an in-person appearance once he is back in the country.
The letter noted:
“We write as Solicitors for Kenneth Ofori-Atta in respect of the above subject and refer to your letter dated 24th January 2025. We are informed by our client that a letter dated the 24th day of January 2025 was left at our client’s security post for his attention. Our client had been out of the country and therefore not in his home in Ghana at the time. The said letter has been brought to our attention on the instructions of our client who is still out of Ghana. The said letter is inviting our client to attend in person at your offices on Monday 10th February 2025 at 10 am.”
“Our client gave notice to the former Chief of Staff in early January and more recently to the current Chief of Staff of his trip outside the country on medical grounds. Our client is currently undergoing medical observation and tests culminating in medical decisions to be taken in due course as to the way forward with treatment. After that, he will have a better idea of when he is able to proceed to Ghana.”
“We are therefore humbly bringing to your attention that we shall give you notice of his arrival in the country so as to reschedule your invitation to him for the purposes as stated in the heading of your letter under reference.”
“We are, however, able and willing to provide you with any information you may require to aid in your investigations until our client is back in the country for any in-person investigations outlined in the said letter.”
