See the full details of Ken Ofori-Atta's suit against the Special Prosecutor over 'wanted' declaration

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has taken legal action against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over its decision to declare him wanted.

Ofori-Atta argues that the move is unlawful, has damaged his reputation, and violates his fundamental human rights.

In his suit filed at the Human Rights Division of the High Court in Accra, the former minister is seeking an injunction to prevent the OSP from reissuing the declaration. He maintains that the OSP has no statutory power to unilaterally label him a “wanted person” or a “fugitive from justice” without a court order.

Ofori-Atta, through his legal team, asserts that the OSP’s actions have breached his right to personal liberty under Article 14 and right to free movement under Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution. His suit further claims that the OSP’s conduct violates Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR).

He is, therefore, asking the court to declare that:

- The OSP has no legal authority to use media briefings to declare a person wanted or a fugitive from justice.

- Such declarations fall under the purview of the Ghana Police Service and require the court’s approval.

- The OSP’s continued publication of his name and image as a wanted person is unlawful.

- Any violation of his human rights by the OSP constitutes a breach of Ghana’s international treaty obligations.

Beyond these declarations, Ofori-Atta is demanding an order for the immediate removal of his image from the OSP’s wanted list, compensation for reputational damage, and a directive compelling the OSP to engage his lawyers through formal legal communication rather than public briefings.

The case follows the OSP’s announcement earlier this year that it was investigating Ofori-Atta for alleged corruption and financial misconduct. The former minister, however, insists he has fully cooperated with the investigation through his legal representatives.

Meanwhile, the OSP has defended its decision, claiming that Ofori-Atta failed to present himself for questioning despite multiple invitations. However, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers argue that he officially informed government officials of his travel for medical treatment and had proposed a timeline for his return.

Read the entire suit below;