Inside the OSP’s “Wanted” list: Who are the fugitives under manhunt?

Law enforcement agencies, like the Ghana Police Service, often issue wanted notices.

In February 2025, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive. This marked a significant moment in high-profile cases in Ghana's Fourth Republic.

The OSP stated that Mr. Ofori-Atta failed to respond to multiple summons for questioning. These inquiries relate to corruption allegations involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited contracts and the National Cathedral project.

The OSP widely publicized this declaration through a press release. Mr. Ofori-Atta’s status changed after he set a firm date to return voluntarily to Ghana on June 2, 2025. If he fails to appear, he may be re-declared wanted and face an INTERPOL Red Notice.

As the deadline approaches today, public interest has surged around the term "Wanted." Many Ghanaians are curious if others are secretly on the OSP's list of wanted persons.

The OSP issues targeted press releases for individuals declared wanted or fugitives from justice. They also maintain a public "wanted persons" directory on their website.

By midday on Mr. Ofori-Atta's deadline, four individuals were officially listed as wanted by the anti-graft body. Three males and one female are being pursued for various corruption-related offences.

The suspects are Derrick Asomang, 37; Anthony Gyasi, 34; Sadia Alhassan, 41; and Francis Asare, 27. Their details and reasons for being on the “Wanted” list are displayed with their photos on the OSP's official website.

These individuals are part of ongoing investigations and may face arrest or prosecution for evading legal processes.

The OSP operates under the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act of 2017 (Act 959). Its mandate includes investigating and prosecuting specific corruption cases and recovering proceeds from corruption.

Declarations like "wanted person" or "fugitive from justice" help compel cooperation and ensure accountability when subjects evade investigation.