OSP warns Ken Ofori-Atta: Appear for questioning or face international pursuit

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued an ultimatum to former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, warning that he will be re-listed as a wanted person if he fails to appear for questioning on June 2, 2025.

This follows an earlier agreement between Mr Ofori-Atta and the OSP, in which he assured authorities of his willingness to cooperate with ongoing corruption and corruption-related investigations.

In response to his formal request, the OSP had removed his name from its list of wanted persons, pending his mandatory in-person appearance on the scheduled date.

In a statement signed by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP clarified its stance, referencing a lawsuit filed by Ofori-Atta contesting its previous declaration that he was a fugitive from justice.

“Mr Ofori-Atta formally requested the OSP to remove his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons with the assurance that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date,” the statement read.

However, the OSP has now made it clear that failure to appear will have serious legal consequences.

“Mr Ofori-Atta is mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025. If Mr Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the scheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall consider him a fugitive from justice; whereupon the OSP will cause the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice in his regard and also cause the initiation of extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction in which he may be found,” the OSP statement warned.

Legal battle over “wanted” tag

Meanwhile, Mr Ofori-Atta has taken legal action against the OSP, seeking an injunction to prevent the office from reinstating him on its wanted list. His lawyers argue that the Special Prosecutor’s actions lack legal basis and have damaged his reputation.

The former Finance Minister contends that he has cooperated with investigators through his legal representatives, making any attempt to label him a fugitive unfair and prejudicial.

This legal dispute stems from allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, for which Mr Ofori-Atta has been named the prime suspect in five ongoing investigations.

Despite the lawsuit, the OSP has reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, stating that it remains unwavering in its pursuit of justice.

“The OSP remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that Mr Ofori-Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption-related investigations,” the statement concluded.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes will be on June 2, 2025, when Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before the Special Prosecutor. Failure to do so could lead to his international pursuit through Interpol and extradition channels.