'Ken Ofori-Atta is not a fugitive' - Prof Ansa-Asare

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He called it a “media trial” of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare believes the state’s communication strategy is harmful. It undermines the presumption of innocence and suggests guilt before trial.

On Joy News’ PM Express, Prof Ansa-Asare questioned the OSP's dramatic public statements. He stated, “Ken Ofori-Atta is not a suspect. He has not been tried yet, so he’s not guilty.”

He emphasized that no one has proven his guilt. Under Article 19(3) of our Constitution, he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.

His comments come as public interest grows in the OSP’s case against Ofori-Atta. This follows corruption allegations related to the Electricity Company of Ghana deal and other transactions during his time in office.

Prof Ansa-Asare warned that aggressive tactics harm public trust in the legal system. They also violate basic human rights.

“Why declare him the most wanted fugitive?” he asked. “We are making Ken look like a murderous fugitive who has stolen everything.”

He described OSP's public statements as premature and prejudicial. The Special Prosecutor outlined five serious issues but not established offences.

“If there are issues, we must handle them with dignity,” he said. This respects fundamental human rights enshrined in our Constitution.

When asked if the OSP was too forceful, he agreed. “Yes, I think they haven’t approached it correctly regarding human rights,” he said.

He stressed that portraying Mr. Ofori-Atta aggressively crosses a line.

“Don’t label anyone as a most wanted fugitive,” he cautioned. “Terrorizing an innocent citizen makes it hard for them to return.”

He added that once Mr. Ofori-Atta lands back home, he will be arrested.

When host Evans Mensah asked if Mr. Ofori-Atta was being “terrorized,” Prof Ansa-Asare affirmed this view.

“I think so,” he said. “The long arm of criminal law seeks to arrest him.”

He believes they could have handled this situation more decently.