Ofori-Atta diagnosed with cancer – Special Prosecutor informed

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is wanted again. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared him so after he missed questioning on June 2, 2025.

At a news conference in Accra, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng spoke about this. He said Ofori-Atta's lawyers claimed he has cancer. However, Agyebeng questioned the credibility of this excuse. He suggested it might be an attempt to avoid justice.

Ofori-Atta was first labeled a "fugitive from justice" in February 2025. This was due to his failure to respond to multiple invitations from the OSP. These invitations were related to several high-profile corruption cases, including:

- His involvement with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
- Financial issues regarding the National Cathedral's construction.
- Various procurement and spending matters during his term from 2017 to 2024.

On February 18, 2025, he was temporarily removed from the wanted list. His legal team assured that he would return and report to the OSP on June 2. That date has now passed without his appearance.

Agyebeng confirmed that Ofori-Atta’s lawyers submitted medical documents about his health. They cited an "unexpected deterioration" and a recent cancer diagnosis. The team requested that he give a caution statement virtually under the Electronic Transactions Act.

The OSP rejected this request. They emphasized that personal attendance is necessary for thorough investigations and accountability. “Legal representation cannot replace a suspect's presence,” Agyebeng stated.

This situation has led the OSP to renew efforts to locate Ofori-Atta. They plan to initiate processes for an INTERPOL Red Notice against him. This notice would help facilitate his arrest and extradition from any INTERPOL member state.

Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta’s legal team is challenging the OSP in court. He filed a suit at the Human Rights Court against being declared wanted. He argues this violates his rights and seeks removal of related content from the OSP’s platforms.

The court will rule on this matter on June 18, 2025.

This case is one of Ghana’s most closely watched legal battles. It tests how accountable high-ranking officials are for alleged corruption.

Agyebeng concluded with a strong message: “No one is above the law.” He affirmed that the fight against corruption will continue despite high stakes.

Minutes into the news conference, the OSP published Mr. Ofori-Atta's image online again, declaring him wanted once more.