The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has publicly declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person.
Addressing the media earlier today on 12th February, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi-Agyebeng refuted allegations of conducting a raid on the residence of Ken Ofori-Atta. He clarified that the OSP had no involvement in the alleged search conducted by unidentified security personnel at Ofori-Atta’s home.
In response to inquiries from Ofori-Atta’s lawyers regarding a reported raid by a group of men, including a police officer, military personnel, and plainclothes individuals, Kissi-Agyebeng categorically denied the office of the OSP’s connection to the incident.
“If the OSP enters your premises, you will not be in doubt as to whether it was the OSP that had come there. Our intelligence suggests that the purported raid was staged or, at best, an imposter action aimed at discrediting the OSP and derailing the investigation.”
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
Kissi-Agyebeng went on to address Ofori-Atta’s medical excuse for failing to appear before the OSP, dismissing it as a mere ploy to evade justice. He asserted;
“The OSP is unconvinced that the purported medical letter represents a valid medical report that Mr. Ofori-Atta is too sick to return to the jurisdiction. No serious law enforcement agency, and certainly not the OSP, would be deterred by such a letter.”
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
Kissi-Agyebeng revealed that Ofori-Atta had already communicated his indefinite departure from Ghana in an earlier letter dated January 31, 2025. The OSP, therefore, concluded that he had no intention of returning voluntarily. He declared;
”Consequently, ladies and gentlemen of the media, the OSP declares Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori Atta a wanted person. He is a fugitive from Justice… And this is to Mr. Ofori-Atta, you have two choices; You can either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily, or the OSP will enforce your return.”
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
In addition to declaring Ofori-Atta wanted, the OSP announced the launch of investigations into suspected corruption and related offenses involving the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF). The probe will cover multiple financial transactions and projects, including; Payments made in respect of Agyapa Royalties Limited, the Small-Scale Mining Incubation Program, the Quarry Value Addition Program, transactions involving Asante Gold Corporation, all investments made by MIIF among others.
Kissi-Agyebeng disclosed that both former and current officials of MIIF were under investigation, but their names were being withheld at this time.
Additionally, the OSP has launched an inquiry into a GHS 1.3 billion embezzlement scandal at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) involving the Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) with key individuals under investigation.
Government Payroll Corruption Probe Ongoing
Moreover, Kissi-Agyebeng provided an update on the OSP’s ongoing corruption risk assessment in collaboration with the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. The investigation seeks to uncover payroll fraud, identify ghost names, and recover wrongful payments and unearned salaries from Ghana’s government payroll.
The Special Prosecutor concluded his address by reaffirming the OSP’s commitment to fighting corruption without fear or favor. He assured;
“The OSP is never deterred by such occurrences. The investigations will continue as prescribed by law.”
Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)
With Ofori-Atta now officially declared wanted, the next steps in this high-profile case remain to be seen. The OSP’s investigations into MIIF, the NPA, and payroll corruption indicate a broader crackdown on financial mismanagement and corruption in Ghana’s public sector.
