Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive, placing him on its wanted list for failing to appear for questioning on multiple corruption investigations.
This dramatic turn of events comes amid the John Mahama government’s renewed anti-corruption campaign, dubbed Operation Recover All Loot, aimed at retrieving state assets allegedly lost to corruption and mismanagement.
What are the allegations against Ofori-Atta?
Special prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday (12 February), announced that Ofori-Atta had refused to cooperate with the OSP’s investigations. The former minister, who served from 2017 to early 2024 under the administration of his cousin, former President Nana Akufo-Addo, is implicated in multiple high-profile corruption investigations. These include:
1. Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) & GRA contract: The OSP is probing a contract between SML and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to improve revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sector.
2. Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Jao contract: Investigators are examining the termination of a loss reduction and network improvement project between ECG and Beijing Technology Limited.
3. National Cathedral procurement: Ofori-Atta is also under investigation for financial irregularities in the procurement process and contracts related to the National Cathedral project initiated by former president Akufo-Addo.
4. Ministry of Health ambulance contracts: The OSP is investigating contracts awarded to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the procurement and servicing of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances.
5. GRA’s tax refund payments: The use and disbursement of tax refunds by the GRA are also under scrutiny.
The OSP says Ofori-Atta has evaded questioning despite multiple invitations, prompting his official designation as a fugitive. His legal team, however, claims he is indefinitely out of the country for medical reasons.
Medical excuse under scrutiny
Ofori-Atta’s lawyers have provided a letter from a foreign doctor stating that he is undergoing medical evaluation and treatment. However, the special prosecutor remains unconvinced.
“Ofori-Atta had been sick and evaluated and… undergoing further testing and management and possible further intervention at an indicated future time,” Agyebeng read from the letter. Despite this, he said the OSP would take all necessary steps to bring the former finance minister to justice.
Who raided Ofori-Atta’s residence?
The controversy escalated further when reports emerged that armed men in military uniforms had raided Ofori-Atta’s residence in Cantonments on Tuesday, 11 February. The OSP denied any involvement.
“Ofori-Atta, the OSP did not raid your house on Tuesday, or any other day,” Agyebeng said, insisting that any such operation would have been conducted transparently. The special prosecutor said the incident was either staged or an attempt to discredit the OSP and derail investigations.
Mahama’s anti-corruption drive
Ofori-Atta’s designation as a fugitive comes at a time when President John Mahama’s government is ramping up its anti-corruption campaign, Operation Recover All Loot. The initiative is focused on retrieving public funds allegedly lost through questionable contracts, mismanagement and corruption.
The campaign has led to increased scrutiny of major financial dealings under the Akufo-Addo administration, including the national cathedral project and government procurement contracts. The OSP’s latest move against Ofori-Atta signals a broader push to hold former government officials accountable.
What happens next?
The declaration of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive raises questions about whether the government will seek international cooperation to facilitate his return. While his legal team maintains that he is unavailable due to medical reasons, the OSP appears determined to ensure he faces justice.
The case is shaping up to be a litmus test for Ghana’s fight against corruption. If Ofori-Atta is successfully brought before investigators, it could set a precedent for other high-profile corruption cases. However, if he remains abroad indefinitely, it may fuel suspicions of political bias or selective justice in the Mahama government’s anti-graft drive.
