The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially named former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations, including those involving the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and two other cases.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced that Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person and must return to Ghana immediately to be questioned.
He warned that failing to cooperate would result in action to demand his return.
Agyebeng rejected accusations that Ofori-Atta had left the country for medical treatment, insisting that the former minister participate with current investigations.
He also denied claims that OSP authorities had raided Ofori-Atta’s home on Tuesday, February 11.
Instead, Agyebeng said that the former minister organized the raid to mislead the public and undermine the OSP’s investigations.
Speaking to journalists about the cases, the Special Prosecutor stated that “
1.Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the GRA for the stated objective of improving revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resources value chain.”
2. ECG and Beijing Technology (BXC) have terminated their distribution loss reduction and network upgrade project contract.3. Procurement of contractors, materials, activities, and payments for the national cathedral project.
“4. Activities and payments in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health initially commenced by the ministry of Special Developments Initiatives to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchases and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes Benz sprinter ambulances for the national ambulance service.
5. payments out of and utilization of the tax refund account of GRA.”
Agyebeng added, “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori Atta. Mr. Ofori-Atta is 66 years old. From 2017 to 2024, he served as the republic’s minister of finance. Mr Ofori-Atta left the jurisdiction on or around January 2, 2025.
On January 24, 2025, the OSP informed him that he was a suspect in four of the cases listed above. Mr. Ofori-Atta was invited to a personal interview on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10GMT.
Mr. Ofori-Atta authorized his lawyers to inform the OSP that he was out of the jurisdiction indefinitely for medical reasons.
The OSP’s recent move represents a significant advance in the fight against corruption, as the office steps up attempts to hold public officials accountable for alleged financial malfeasance.