NPP criticises OSP’s ‘unjustified attack’ on former Finance Minister

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described as unjustified the decision of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to declare former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, a fugitive of justice. 

At a press conference at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Thursday, February 13, 2025, the NPP’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye, said the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, had made a fundamental legal error.

He argued that Mr Ofori-Atta could not be considered a fugitive while his lawyers were in active communication with the OSP.

“It is baffling that a Special Prosecutor, a lawyer and a law lecturer, would make such a basic mistake in labelling a person of interest, who has not been charged and remains in contact through his lawyers, as a fugitive,” Mr Boakye said, adding: “Isn’t that odd?”

He cited a statement from former Ghana School of Law Director, Ansah Asare, who described the OSP’s decision as “barbaric, uncouth, uncivilised and unethical”.

Accountability

The NPP said while it supported lawful investigations, it would not tolerate what it described as political harassment of its members.

Mr Boakye also raised concerns about the OSP’s public announcement that former National Petroleum Authority CEO, Sheikh Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, was under investigation, stating that Dr Abdul-Hamid had not received any formal communication from the OSP.

“We are law-abiding and will cooperate fully with any state institution,” Mr Boakye said. “But we will not accept political harassment,” he added.

The NPP insists that Mr Ofori-Atta is not evading accountability, contrary to the OSP’s claim.

Mr Boakye said the former minister had informed the government of his medical trip to the United States in a letter dated January 2, 2025, addressed to the then Chief of Staff, Frema Osei-Opare.

A similar letter, he said, was sent to the new Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, on January 22, in which Mr Ofori-Atta provided his contact details and expressed willingness to cooperate with any state inquiries.

On January 24, the OSP directed Mr Ofori-Atta to appear before the office on February 10 for questioning over suspected corruption-related offences.

His lawyers responded on January 31, informing the OSP of his medical condition and stating that they would provide an update on his return date.

On February 5, the OSP rejected this response, insisting that Mr Ofori-Atta should confirm a return date by February 10 or risk legal action to compel his appearance.

His lawyers then submitted a letter from the Mayo Clinic on February 7, which confirmed that he was undergoing medical tests and might require surgery in March.

The letter, signed by a medical doctor, indicated that he could return to Ghana after March.

Mr Boakye said despite receiving this information, the OSP declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive on February 11, a move the NPP had condemned as unreasonable.

Appointment

Beyond the OSP’s actions, the NPP also criticised the government’s decision to revoke all public service appointments made after December 7, 2024. Mr Boakye described the directive, issued by the Chief of Staff, as illegal and unfair.

He argued that public sector recruitment follows strict procedures, including financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance and approval from oversight bodies.

Therefore, nullifying appointments based solely on date, he said, disregarded due process and threatened job security.

“This decision will leave thousands of families in financial distress and discourage young professionals from pursuing careers in public service,” he said.

The NPP has vowed to resist the directive, stating that every government had the constitutional right to make appointments until the end of its mandate.