OSP is terrorising Ken Ofori-Atta - Prof Ansa-Asare

A former Director of the Ghana School of Law has made serious accusations. He claims the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is terrorizing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Professor Kwaku Ansa-Asare believes the OSP's corruption probe is excessive and unfair. He also argues that it is unconstitutional.

On Joy News’ PM Express, Prof Ansa-Asare questioned how the OSP treats Mr. Ofori-Atta. He noted that Ofori-Atta is not a convicted criminal.

“Ken Ofori-Atta is not a suspect who has been tried,” he said. “He has not been found guilty.”

Prof Ansa-Asare emphasized that the Constitution protects citizens from being treated as guilty before trial.

He stated, “Under Article 19, Clause 3, he is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.”

The professor expressed concern about what he called an aggressive approach by the Special Prosecutor.

“My take on this issue is simple,” he said. “Why declare him a fugitive running from justice?”

He added, “You are making Ken look like a murderous fugitive.”

Prof Ansa-Asare pointed out that the issues raised by the OSP are not proven offences.

“The Special Prosecutor outlined five serious issues, but they are not offences,” he explained.

He stressed that there should be respect for dignity and human rights in such cases.

When asked if the OSP was being heavy-handed, Prof Ansa-Asare replied directly.

“I think they haven’t approached it in line with our Constitution’s fundamental rights,” he said.

“If we have a presumption of innocence, don’t label anyone as a fugitive.”

He warned that such actions create fear and humiliation for innocent citizens.

“When you terrorize an innocent citizen, they feel intimidated,” he cautioned.

“They may find it hard to return because they fear arrest upon landing.”

When asked again if he believed Ofori-Atta was being terrorized, Prof Ansa-Asare affirmed his belief.

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

He concluded that this situation could have been handled more decently.