‘We want Ofori-Atta physically’ – OSP rejects virtual session request

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has rejected a request from former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta wanted to participate in investigations via video conferencing. Agyebeng insisted that he must appear in person at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

On June 2, Mr. Agyebeng addressed journalists about this issue. He called the request inappropriate and not serious enough for the ongoing corruption probe. “This office has always requested his attendance,” he stated.

Agyebeng emphasized that they would not waive this requirement. If they were willing to accept statements from Ofori-Atta remotely, they would have done so earlier. “We want him here physically, and we insist on it,” he added.

He noted that a suspect cannot dictate how investigations are conducted. The situation reflects a growing standoff between the OSP and Ofori-Atta. The former minister has repeatedly failed to honor summons related to corruption allegations.

Kissi Agyebeng revealed that his office is pursuing an INTERPOL red notice for Ofori-Atta’s arrest. They have also formally requested extradition to bring him back to Ghana. Previously, he was removed from the wanted list but is now considered a fugitive again.

Key issues under investigation include several contracts and financial transactions:

1. Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2. Electricity Company Contract Termination: Termination of a contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

3. National Cathedral Project: Procurement procedures related to this project.

4. Ambulance Procurement: A contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited 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.

- 31 January 2025: His lawyers informed the OSP he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons.

- 5 February 2025: The OSP rejected his absence claim and demanded a return date by February 10.

- 10 February 2025: His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note without a clear return date.

- 12 February 2025: With no cooperation, the OSP declared him a fugitive from justice.

- 18 February 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta appealed for removal from the ‘Wanted List’ with a return date in May.

### Legal Challenge

- March 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP for being unlawfully declared wanted.

- 28 March 2025: The Human Rights Court heard his application to prevent further declarations as wanted.

Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted again by the OSP amid these developments.