Prominent NPP figure Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has raised concerns over the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) decision to declare former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive.
He challenged the legal foundation of the pronouncement, suggesting that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) may have misstepped in its characterization of the esteemed former Finance Minister.
He expressed his doubts, questioning whether the OSP had erred in labeling Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta—”a respected and experienced statesman“—as a fugitive.
Boakye-Danquah further criticized the OSP’s approach, questioning how the outfit could reach such a conclusion without completing its investigation.
“How does an OSP who is mandated to investigate corruption and corruption-related activities, not having had his investigation, yet has already pronounced judgment on an individual?
“How do all the descriptions Mr. OSP made bring us to the conclusion that Hon. Ofori-Atta is a fugitive? Has the OSP made a prejudicial decision and statement on a matter his office is yet to be investigating?”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah
Boakye-Danquah also cast doubt on the legitimacy of the OSP’s assertion, raising critical questions about the basis of Ofori-Atta’s designation.
He questioned whether the former Finance Minister had, at any point, fled from custody, gone into hiding, or been formally charged and prosecuted in court.
He emphasized that there had been no judicial ruling finding Ofori-Atta guilty of any wrongdoing and insisted that the answer to all these inquiries was a resounding “NO.”
He further urged the OSP to avoid what he described as “RAMBO-style” tactics in handling such a serious office.
According to him, the OSP must exercise fairness and discretion in its dealings to maintain public trust and avoid unnecessary controversies that can undermine its credibility.
OSP Needs to Focus On Convicted Fugitives, Not Mere Suspects
Furthermore, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah highlighted the need for the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to prioritize more pressing cases that demand immediate attention.
He argued that the OSP should focus its efforts on unresolved matters with significant legal and financial implications rather than engaging in actions that may appear politically motivated or legally questionable.
As an example, he cited the case of Madam Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) under the John Dramani Mahama administration.
Boakye-Danquah noted that despite her conviction on 78 counts and subsequent sentencing to 10 years of hard labor, she has yet to be extradited to serve her full term.
He questioned why the authorities have not taken decisive action to ensure that justice is fully enforced in her case, suggesting that such high-profile matters should be the primary focus of institutions tasked with upholding accountability and the rule of law.
“She is the one you should gladly turn your attention to, use all the authority you have backed by the mandate of the constitution to return to Ghana to serve her full jail term.”
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah
He lamented the OSP’s public handling of the matter, arguing that it had turned Ghana into a spectacle on the international stage.
According to him, institutions such as the OSP should act in a manner that upholds the country’s reputation and fosters a sense of justice rather than creating unnecessary drama in their public engagements.
Boakye-Danquah further suggested that the OSP may have intended to request Ofori-Atta’s presence for an inquiry but used the wrong wording.
Accordingly, he urged public officials to exercise discretion and professionalism in their duties.
“I suggest, as a colleague in the public space, let’s be circumspect in the discharge of our duties. Remembering that all we do is in the interest of the Ghanaian people. We are only stewards and custodians.
“Today it is Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta you declare as Fugitive, tomorrow it could be you. Let’s bear this in mind as we discharge our duties with [the] utmost respect and civility to the human beings we serve”.
Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah
He further stressed the need for allegations and accusations to be handled with the highest level of professionalism and strict adherence to due process.
He cautioned against rushing to conclusions that could unjustly damage an individual’s reputation, emphasizing that no one should be subjected to public condemnation before investigations are thoroughly conducted and legal procedures fully exhausted.
Additionally, he pointed out that the Attorney General’s office itself appeared caught off guard by the OSP’s pronouncement, raising concerns about a potential lack of coordination among key legal institutions.
He argued that such inconsistencies could undermine public confidence in the justice system and called for improved collaboration, clearer communication, and a more harmonized approach to legal processes to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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