The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has given former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta an ultimatum, warning that he will be re-listed as a wanted individual if he fails to appear for questioning on June 2, 2025.
This follows a prior agreement between Mr. Ofori-Atta and the OSP, in which he committed to cooperating with investigations into corruption and related offenses.
In response to his formal request, the OSP had removed Kenneth Ofori-Atta’s name from its list of wanted persons, contingent upon his mandatory in-person appearance on the scheduled date.
In a statement signed by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP outlined its position, referring to a lawsuit filed by Ofori-Atta challenging the OSP’s earlier declaration that he was a fugitive from justice.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta formally requested the OSP to remove his name from the wanted persons list, assuring authorities that he would be available for questioning on a specific date,” the statement read.
However, the OSP has now made it clear that any failure to appear will result in serious legal consequences.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta is mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025. Should he fail to attend on the scheduled date, his name will be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons, and he will be considered a fugitive from justice. As a result, the OSP will initiate the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice and begin extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction where he may be located,” the OSP statement warned.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ofori-Atta has taken legal action against the OSP, seeking an injunction to prevent the office from reinstating him on its wanted list. His lawyers argue that the Special Prosecutor’s actions lack legal foundation and have harmed his reputation.
The former Finance Minister maintains that he has been cooperating with investigators through his legal representatives, and therefore, any attempt to label him a fugitive is both unfair and prejudicial.
This legal dispute arises from allegations of corruption and financial misconduct, with Mr. Ofori-Atta being the primary suspect in five ongoing investigations.
Despite the lawsuit, the OSP has reiterated its commitment to accountability, affirming that it remains resolute in its pursuit of justice.
“The OSP remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that Mr. Ofori-Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption-related investigations,” the statement concluded.
As the legal battle continues, all attention will be on June 2, 2025, when Ofori-Atta is expected to appear before the Special Prosecutor. Failure to comply could result in an international pursuit via Interpol and the initiation of extradition proceedings.
