Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will not testify before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2, as previously scheduled, due to an unforeseen deterioration in his health, sources close to him said.
His legal team has publicly conveyed the situation to the OSP and the Human Rights Court, providing medical records outlining his current state and planned surgical treatments.
This comes as there is growing concern that if Mr Ofori-Atta fails to show up for his appointment on Monday, June 2, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, may re-declare him a wanted person.
An earlier statement from the OSP implied that such a move was impending.
Mr Ofori-Atta is currently fighting a legal struggle at the Human Rights Court over his former status as a wanted person. The lawsuit is scheduled for a ruling on June 18, 2025.
In a message on its official X (previously Twitter) account on May 28, the OSP acknowledged the continuing legal process:
“The Human Rights Court has set a hearing date of June 18, 2025, for a motion filed by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta seeking to prevent the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from designating him wanted, among other reliefs.
Mr Ofori-Atta also wants the court to require the OSP to erase past disclosures from its social media channels. His legal team filed the motion, which is being opposed by the OSP. The court will rule on the matter on June 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, sources claim Mr Ofori-Atta has offered to assist in the OSP’s probe online, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act. This would allow the OSP to seek a Cautioned Statement from him while he is receiving treatment.
The OSP has yet to produce any new public communication outlining how it intends to continue.
The investigation focusses on petroleum and mineral revenue assurance, specifically the contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
The Electricity Company of Ghana has terminated its contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
The National Cathedral Project involves procurement and financial activities.
The Ministry of Health contracted with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited to purchase and maintain 307 ambulances.
GRA Tax P-Fund Management involves managing and disbursing funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund account.
Timeline of Events
January, 2025
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officially informed Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and demanded that he attend on February 10, 2025.
31 January 2025.
His lawyers notified the OSP that he was away indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him during his absence.
- February 2025
The OSP rejected the claim of indefinite absence and requested a firm return date by February 10, 2025, warning of legal ramifications. It further clarified that legal representatives cannot react to criminal charges on behalf of clients. - February 2025
His lawyers provided a doctor’s note (not addressed to any specific party) saying that he was undergoing tests and perhaps surgery, with no set return date. - February 2025
With no further cooperation, the OSP labelled Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice and executed an arrest warrant. 18 February, 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta petitioned the OSP for removal from the ‘Wanted List’ and, for the first time, specified a specific return date of May 2025. The OSP acknowledged this assurance and took his name off the list. Legal Challenge
March, 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta launched a case against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, demanding restitution for what he called an illegal declaration of him as wanted. He also asked for the removal of similar content from the OSP’s social media channels. 28 March, 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta filed an interim application before the Human Rights Court, requesting that the OSP refrain from designating him wanted again. - Next steps: 2 June 2025.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is due to visit OSP headquarters. If he does not arrive, the OSP will re-add his name to the wanted list. He will once again be proclaimed a fugitive from justice. The OSP will commence the process of requesting an INTERPOL Red Notice.
