Ghana’s former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared an international fugitive by the Ghanaian government having been accused of evading justice amidst multiple corruption charges currently standing against him.
This follows Ofori-Atta’s failure to appear in person before the Ghanaian Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on 2 June to respond to a series of high-value corruption allegations dating back to his tenure as finance minister between 2017 and 2023.
Ghana has now issued an Interpol red notice to locate, arrest and extradite the former finance minister following accusations of evading justice.
The corruption charges against the ex-minister relates to alleged procurement irregularities, financial mismanagement and the authorisation of questionable payments.
The former minister has since refused to appear in person despite repeated invitations and had requested to participate via video citing health challenges.
The OSP rejected this request and stated no official medical documentation had been received to this effect.
“Ofori-Atta’s conduct is unacceptable… It ends here. It ends today,” The OSP stated.
Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Frank Davies however insists his client is not fleeing justice but is “unwell and undergoing treatment” for prostrate cancer in the US.
“It’s a fact, and I can assure you that Ken Ofori-Atta is not fleeing from justice.
“It is easy to verify that he is simply unwell, and the OSP is aware of this.” He said.
Ofori-Atta has also filed a motion at the Human Rights Court to restrain the OSP from labelling him a “fugitive from justice” which has been adjourned until 18 June. The court’s ruling would therefore determine whether Interpol proceeds with issuing a Red Notice.
Ofori-Atta’s tenure as finance minister saw the country descend into debt distress, soaring inflation, and a depreciating currency. Whatever happens in his case would therefore determine how Ghanaians would view President John Mahama’s anti-corruption efforts with the president having already suspended the country’s chief justice.
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