OSP declares Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, a fugitive.

In a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated, “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Ofori-Atta.” He made this declaration based on Ofori-Atta’s involvement in causing financial loss to the state through several controversial dealings, including the construction of the National Cathedral and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML).

Ofori-Atta is wanted in connection with his role in the National Cathedral project, which was promised by former President Akufo-Addo. Ofori-Atta authorized the release of state funds for the project, a decision that has now come under scrutiny. In 2020, at the request of President Akufo-Addo’s Chief of Staff, Ofori-Atta approved a staggering ¢142.7 million for the National Cathedral. Despite these funds being released, the project has stalled, with allegations of mismanagement of the money.

Furthermore, the board of trustees for the project, led by Rev. Kusi Boateng, has been accused of mishandling the majority of the funds. Ofori-Atta is criticized for disbursing the funds without ensuring proper financial oversight and accountability.

In another case, the former finance minister is accused of causing financial loss to the state in a deal involving the GRA and SML. In 2019, the GRA paid over ₵1 billion to SML under Ofori-Atta’s direction, without the approval of the Public Procurement Authority, as required by the constitution. The funds were for various services, including transaction audits and external verification services related to the downstream petroleum sector.

Over the years, anti-corruption groups and individuals have called for Ofori-Atta’s prosecution for causing financial loss to the state. Among them are the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), who, along with others, have sued the former minister, GRA, and SML, demanding the return of the misappropriated funds.

The OSP has now taken over the investigation of these cases and other significant corruption-related matters. As a result, Ofori-Atta has been officially declared a fugitive, with the OSP stating that he has no intention of voluntarily returning to face justice. The OSP has warned that it will pursue all necessary legal measures to ensure his return and compel him to attend court proceedings.

The OSP has given Ofori-Atta two options: voluntarily return to the jurisdiction or face enforced return through legal action.