Frank Davies, Director of Legal Affairs for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has addressed growing public interest surrounding the availability of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to meet with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), affirming that the former minister is currently outside Ghana and unable to appear in person due to medical reasons.
Speaking in a detailed statement on the matter, Davies underscored that Ofori-Atta’s absence is neither abrupt nor concealed, and that relevant institutions, including the OSP, were notified appropriately.
“We have established from day one that Ken Ofori-Atta is attending to medical stuff in the United States”
Frank Davies, NPP Director of Legal Affairs
Davies further clarified that there has been full transparency from Ofori-Atta’s side, and that communication with the Office of the Special Prosecutor was formally made ahead of a scheduled engagement. “A letter was sent to him [OSP] on the 27th of May communicating that Ken can’t be there in-person,” Davies revealed.
The NPP’s legal director emphasized that not only had a formal letter been sent, but the OSP had acknowledged receipt. “The letter has been transmitted to the OSP and they’ve been duly admitted and received.” This, according to Davies, fulfills all required procedural steps to inform the OSP of Ofori-Atta’s inability to attend in person.
He went on to explain the legal avenues available to the Special Prosecutor under such circumstances. “Video-recorded interviews are permissible under the law,” Davies asserted, suggesting that remote engagement was both viable and lawful. The statement was also meant to rebuff any suggestions that Ofori-Atta was being evasive.
Davies reiterated that the Special Prosecutor, as a trained legal professional, retains the discretion to accept or decline the proposed alternative. “We’ve sent a letter to you, it’s up to you to say yes or no,” he pointed out, shifting the next move to the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
He also took issue with the way the public conversation has unfolded, especially around Ofori-Atta’s health. “Why should it be so difficult for people to understand that he has a medical challenge,” Davies questioned, highlighting what he believes is a lack of empathy in parts of the national discourse.
Physical Absence Not Disputed
Throughout his statement, Davies consistently reinforced the point that Ofori-Atta is not currently within the country. “He is not in Ghana as we speak, and this is known by the OSP.” This assertion aims to forestall any claims of non-cooperation or deliberate avoidance.
With regards to Ofori-Atta’s scheduled meeting with the OSP, Davies stated that the new situation had been communicated in real time and with adequate notice to the relevant authorities.
“It would not be possible for Ken Ofori-Atta to be physically present to meet the OSP today,” he declared, framing the issue not as one of reluctance, but of physical incapacity.
The explanation from the NPP’s legal director comes at a time when scrutiny of political figures and anti-corruption investigations continues to mount. By outlining the timeline of events and providing clarity on the communication process, Davies sought to affirm the procedural integrity of Ofori-Atta’s response to the OSP’s invitation.
As the public awaits further developments, all attention now shifts to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s next steps. The decision to accept a video-recorded interaction or demand a rescheduled in-person session lies solely with the OSP.
In this ongoing matter involving one of Ghana’s most prominent former public officials, the assurance from the NPP’s legal leadership is that all actions taken so far have adhered to both the letter and the spirit of the law. Whether this will satisfy public opinion or the expectations of the Special Prosecutor remains to be seen.
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