The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has reaffirmed their resolve to have former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta appear in person for questioning regarding an ongoing investigation.
The OSP has declared Mr Ofori-Atta wanted for allegations of corruption and corruption-related offences, including the release of state funds for the construction of the National Cathedral project.
The Office said it is investigating the former minister in four high-profile cases, including the contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the stated objective of the enhancement of revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production and minerals and metals resources value chain.
This development has attracted mixed reactions. The leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described the OSP’s actions as political persecution.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s The KeyPoints, the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the OSP, Sammy Darko said Mr Ofori-Atta has a legal obligation to cooperate with the investigative process.
Mr Darko insisted that Mr. Ofori-Atta cannot be represented by his lawyers in critical investigative procedures such as giving a statement and fingerprinting.
“The OSP does not invite persons for the sake of it. By the time we invite a person, we would have already gathered enough materials to justify making them a suspect. It is for this reason that a suspect must appear in person,” Mr. Darko stated.
He further emphasized that while the OSP acknowledges Mr. Ofori-Atta’s health concerns, proper medical documentation must be provided to justify his inability to to honour their invitation.
“We are not insensitive to medical conditions, but if a person is claiming ill health, they must provide convincing medical proof that they are unfit to appear before the OSP,” he added.
Addressing concerns that the investigation may be politically motivated, the OSP maintained its independence and commitment to due process.
“The work of the OSP is not tied to political transitions. We have investigated individuals from both major parties, including current and former government officials. Cases like the National Cathedral and SML investigations have been ongoing for years,” Mr. Darko explained.
He also noted that the OSP operates under significant resource constraints but remains committed to executing its mandate fairly and without bias.
The OSP hinted at possible legal actions to ensure Mr. Ofori-Atta complies with the summons.
“If necessary, we will explore all legal options to compel attendance, but we will do so while respecting due process,” Mr. Darko stated.
The Special Prosecutor’s office has been at the center of several high-profile corruption investigations, and this latest case involving the former Finance Minister continues to draw public attention.
