OSP declares Ken Ofori-Atta wanted in multiple corruption cases

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a suspect in four high-profile corruption investigations, including cases related to the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and two other cases.

Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person and must return to Ghana immediately to face questioning.

He warned that failure to comply would result in steps being taken to compel his return.

Dismissing claims that Ofori-Atta had left the country for medical treatment, Agyebeng insisted that the former minister must cooperate with the ongoing investigations.

He also refuted reports suggesting that officials from the OSP had raided Ofori-Atta’s residence on Tuesday, February 11.

Instead, Agyebeng alleged that the raid was staged by the former minister himself in an attempt to mislead the public and discredit the OSP’s investigations.

But speaking on the cases, the Special Prosecutor told journalists that “1.Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the GRA for the stated objective of the enhancement of revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production and minerals and metals resources value chain.2. Termination of a distribution loss reduction and associated network improvement project contract between ECG and Beijing Technology (BXC).3. Procurement of contractors and materials and activities and payments in respect of the national cathedral project.

“4. Activities and payments in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health initially commenced by the ministry of special developments initiatives to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchases and after sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes benz sprinter ambulances for the national ambulance service and 5. payments out of and utilisatiion of the tax refund account of GRA.”

Agyebeng further said “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori Atta. Mr Ofori-Atta is 66 years old. He was the minister of Finance of the republic between 2017 and 2024. Mr Ofori-Atta left the jurisdiction on or around 2 January 2025.On 24th January 2025, the OSP communicated to Mr Ofori-Atta that OSP considered him suspect in respect to four of the cases above. Mr Ofori-Atta was asked to attend in person on Monday 10th February 2025 at 10GMT for an interview…Mr Ofori-Atta instructed his lawyers to inform the OSP that he was out of the jurisdiction indefinitely on medical grounds…

The OSP’s latest move marks a significant development in the fight against corruption, as the office intensifies efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged financial misconduct.

This story is still being updated…