Ken Ofori-Atta Removed from Wanted List

Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister of Ghana, has been officially removed from the wanted list of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) after the initial declaration that labeled him a fugitive from justice was withdrawn. This development marks a significant shift following the OSP’s earlier announcement of its investigation into alleged financial misconduct involving the former minister. The decision to rescind the wanted status comes after Ofori-Atta informed the OSP of his planned voluntary return to the country.

Previously, the OSP had charged Ofori-Atta with several serious offenses, including his role in the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA Contract, the termination of the ECG-BXC contract, payments related to the National Cathedral project, procurement issues regarding ambulances, and the use of the Tax Refund Account. These charges were part of an ongoing investigation into possible financial irregularities that occurred during his tenure as Finance Minister.

In a recent statement, the OSP confirmed that Ofori-Atta had communicated to them the specific date on which he plans to return to Ghana. With this confirmation, the OSP has officially removed his name from their list of wanted individuals. The statement further clarified that, pending his return on the scheduled date, Ofori-Atta is no longer considered a fugitive. However, the OSP made it clear that should he fail to return to Ghana by the specified date or miss the agreed meeting at the OSP’s office, he would once again be placed on the wanted list. The OSP would then take all necessary legal actions to ensure his return to the jurisdiction and his appearance at their office as required.

Earlier in the day, the Minority Leader of the Ghanaian Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, provided updates on Ofori-Atta’s situation, addressing the issue during a session in Parliament. According to Afenyo-Markin, the former Finance Minister is expected to return to Ghana by May 2025 after undergoing a medical procedure abroad. He revealed that Ofori-Atta’s legal team had been in contact with the OSP and confirmed the dates for his return, taking into consideration his health and recovery.

The official letter from Ofori-Atta’s lawyers, dated February 17, 2025, outlined the details of his medical condition. It explained that the former minister was scheduled to undergo surgery in the coming weeks and would require six to eight weeks of recovery time. The letter further stated that Ofori-Atta is expected to be fit to return to Ghana between May 14 and 30, 2025, after his medical treatment and recuperation. As part of the arrangement, the lawyers assured the OSP that Ofori-Atta’s return would happen in line with this timeline.

In response to this communication, the OSP has acknowledged the revised schedule and indicated that they would work with Ofori-Atta’s legal team to finalize the details of his return. They have also expressed their commitment to ensuring that the investigation progresses smoothly once Ofori-Atta is back in the country. However, the OSP has made it clear that any failure to comply with the agreed-upon return date will result in the former Finance Minister being re-entered on the wanted list, with legal actions to secure his attendance at the OSP.

This series of events marks a critical point in the investigation, with Ofori-Atta now expected to return to Ghana and face the authorities regarding the allegations. The decision to remove him from the wanted list while awaiting his voluntary return is a step toward resolving the situation. The public will be watching closely to see whether Ofori-Atta adheres to the timeline set by his lawyers and the OSP, as this matter continues to unfold.