|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially named former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a suspect in four major corruption-related investigations. These include cases involving the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), and two additional financial matters.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person and must return to Ghana immediately for questioning. He warned that if the former minister fails to comply, legal measures will be taken to compel his return.
OSP Dismisses Claims of Medical Leave
Agyebeng dismissed reports that Ofori-Atta had left the country for medical treatment, emphasizing that he must cooperate with the investigations. Additionally, he refuted claims that OSP officials had raided Ofori-Atta’s residence on Tuesday, February 11. Instead, he alleged that the raid was orchestrated by the former minister himself in an attempt to mislead the public and discredit the OSP’s work.
Details of the Investigations
During the press conference, Agyebeng outlined the key cases under investigation, stating:
1. “Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the GRA for the stated objective of enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resources value chain.”
2. “Termination of a distribution loss reduction and associated network improvement project contract between ECG and Beijing Technology (BXC).”
3. “Procurement of contractors, materials, activities, and payments related to the National Cathedral project.”
4. “Activities and payments concerning a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health, which was initially handled by the Ministry of Special Development Initiatives, to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase, after-sales service, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.”
5. “Payments from and utilization of the tax refund account of the GRA.”
Ofori-Atta Declared a Fugitive
Agyebeng further disclosed, “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta. Mr. Ofori-Atta is 66 years old. He was the Minister of Finance of the Republic between 2017 and 2024. Mr. Ofori-Atta left the jurisdiction on or around January 2, 2025.”
He added, “On January 24, 2025, the OSP informed Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was considered a suspect in four of these cases. He was asked to appear in person on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10:00 GMT for an interview. However, Mr. Ofori-Atta instructed his lawyers to inform the OSP that he was out of the jurisdiction indefinitely on medical grounds.”
A Major Step in the Fight Against Corruption
The OSP’s latest action represents a significant escalation in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing its commitment to holding public officials accountable for alleged financial misconduct. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to bring Ofori-Atta back to Ghana for questioning.
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
