Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare, former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has launched a scathing critique of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), accusing it of breaching constitutional principles in its handling of the corruption probe involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
In a passionate appearance on *PM Express* on Joy News, Prof. Ansa-Asare argued that the OSP’s posture amounts to “legal intimidation,” warning that such tactics threaten the integrity of Ghana’s justice system.
He questioned why Ofori-Atta, who has not yet been tried or convicted, is being treated as if he were a dangerous criminal.
“Ken Ofori-Atta, as of now, is a suspect—not a convict. He has not been tried, he has not been found guilty,” he asserted. “The Constitution guarantees his presumption of innocence under Article 19(3), and that must be respected.”
Prof. Ansa-Asare described the OSP’s actions—particularly its decision to declare Ofori-Atta a “most wanted fugitive”—as excessive and damaging to the suspect’s dignity and fundamental rights.
“You are making Ken look like a murderous fugitive who has stolen all the assets,” he said. “These are serious issues, yes, but they are not yet proven offences.”
He further criticized what he termed an “aggressive” prosecutorial style that prioritizes public spectacle over due process.
“When the law is used to terrorise rather than to seek justice, the system loses credibility,” he warned. “If the moment a plane lands you are arrested like a hardened criminal, what citizen would not be intimidated?”
Prof. Ansa-Asare emphasized that Ghana must uphold its legal standards, especially when dealing with high-profile suspects.
“Justice is not just about prosecution—it’s about fairness, balance, and dignity. We could have gone about this in a much more decent manner,” he concluded.
His comments add to the growing national debate about the role and approach of the OSP, especially as legal and political tensions mount over its ongoing high-profile investigations.
