The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has escalated its search for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta by issuing a wanted poster, just days after officially declaring him a fugitive.
The move, announced on February 17, 2025, comes amid growing scrutiny over the OSP’s handling of the case. Critics argue that Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng acted prematurely in labeling Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive without fully exhausting legal procedures.
The wanted poster, which prominently displays Ofori-Atta’s name, photograph, and personal details, states that he is being sought in connection with multiple corruption-related investigations.
These include alleged irregularities surrounding the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA contract, the ECG-BXC contract termination, National Cathedral payments, and the Ambulance Procurement contract.
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The poster also suggests that Ofori-Atta may be residing in the United States or the United Kingdom.
Legal and Political Backlash Over Fugitive Status
The OSP’s decision to publicly declare Ofori-Atta a fugitive on February 12, 2025, triggered intense debate among legal experts and political analysts.
Many questioned whether due process had been followed, arguing that the Special Prosecutor should have first obtained an arrest warrant and engaged international law enforcement agencies before going public.
Some critics also accused the OSP of politically motivated actions, claiming that individuals linked to the previous administration were being selectively targeted.
OSP Defends Its Approach
Despite the controversy, the OSP remains firm in its position. Following the release of the wanted poster, the office defended its decision, asserting that Ofori-Atta had repeatedly failed to cooperate with investigators.
“We are pursuing all available legal avenues to bring him to justice,” said Sammy Darko, Head of Communications and Strategy at the OSP. “The public is encouraged to provide any relevant information on his whereabouts.”
As the search for Ofori-Atta intensifies, the case continues to spark national debate on the rule of law, accountability, and the role of the Special Prosecutor in Ghana’s fight against corruption.
