Ofori-Atta seeks virtual session with OSP amid alleged medical complications

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will not appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on June 2. His health has unexpectedly worsened, according to sources close to him. His legal team has informed the OSP and the Human Rights Court about his condition. They submitted medical reports detailing his health and upcoming surgeries.

There is speculation about whether Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng will declare Mr. Ofori-Atta a wanted person if he misses this appointment. An earlier statement from the OSP suggested that such action might happen.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently involved in a legal battle at the Human Rights Court. He is challenging his designation as a wanted person, with a ruling set for June 18, 2025. The OSP acknowledged this ongoing court process in a post on its official X account on May 28.

In his motion, Mr. Ofori-Atta seeks to prevent the OSP from declaring him wanted again. He also wants previous declarations removed from social media platforms. The court will rule on these matters on June 18, 2025.

Sources indicate that Mr. Ofori-Atta has offered to participate in the investigation virtually due to his treatment needs. This would allow him to provide a Cautioned Statement remotely while he recovers.

The OSP has not yet issued any new official communication regarding their next steps.

Key Issues Under Investigation:
1. Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and GRA.
2. Electricity Company Contract Termination: Termination of a contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology.
3. National Cathedral Project: Procurement procedures related to financial transactions for the project.
4. Ambulance Procurement: A contract with Service Ghana Auto Group for ambulances.
5. GRA Tax P-Fund Management: Handling of funds from the GRA's Tax P-Fund Account.

Timeline of Events:
- January 2025: The OSP notified Mr. Ofori-Atta he was a suspect in five cases.
- January 31, 2025: His lawyers informed the OSP he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons.
- February 5, 2025: The OSP rejected claims of indefinite absence and demanded a return date by February 10.
- February 10, 2025: His lawyers submitted an unclear doctor's note about tests and possible surgery.
- February 12, 2025: The OSP declared him a fugitive after no cooperation was received.
- February 18, 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta provided a definite return date in May; his name was removed from the wanted list.

Legal Challenge:
- March 2025: He filed a lawsuit against the OSP for unlawful declaration as wanted.
- March 28, 2025: The Human Rights Court heard an application asking to restrain future declarations as wanted.

Next Steps:
On June 2, Mr. Ofori-Atta is expected to report in person to the OSP headquarters. If he fails to appear:
- His name may be added back to the wanted list.
- He could be declared a fugitive again.
- The process for an INTERPOL Red Notice may begin against him.

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