The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reinstated former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted individual, effective June 2, 2025, following his failure to appear in person as previously agreed. This development reignites a tense legal battle marked by allegations of corruption linked to his time in office from 2017 to 2024.
Originally declared a fugitive in February 2025 due to repeated non-compliance with summons, Ofori-Atta was temporarily removed from the wanted list after his legal team promised his voluntary return. However, despite this commitment, he did not present himself at the OSP headquarters by the stipulated deadline.
Sources close to Ofori-Atta’s lawyers cite an unexpected deterioration in his health and have requested a virtual appearance under provisions of the Electronic Transactions Act. The OSP, however, remains firm that only physical presence can satisfy the requirements of the investigation, dismissing prior medical excuses.
The reinstatement carries serious consequences, including the initiation of an INTERPOL Red Notice, which would enable his arrest internationally, limiting his ability to travel freely.
Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta is engaged in a parallel legal challenge at the Human Rights Court, contesting the OSP’s initial wanted declaration and seeking to have related public statements removed. The court is expected to issue a ruling on June 18, 2025.
This renewed declaration signals the OSP’s determined stance that accountability transcends rank and underscores the escalating drama surrounding one of Ghana’s most high-profile corruption probes. The nation now awaits how both legal and health issues will shape the unfolding case.
