OSP Insists Ken Ofori-Atta Must Appear for Investigation
Samuel Appiah Darko, the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), has emphasized that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta must return to Ghana to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, February 15, 2025, Darko asserted that Ofori-Atta cannot dictate the terms of his appearance and must adhere to the OSP’s directives. He criticized the former minister’s legal representatives for responding on his behalf, questioning whether their involvement implied shared responsibility for the alleged offenses. Darko further stressed that legal representation should not replace a suspect's physical presence during an investigation, reinforcing the OSP’s stance that Ofori-Atta must return and engage directly with the authorities.
The OSP has declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive, citing his absence from the country as a deliberate effort to evade investigation. However, this decision has sparked controversy among Ghanaians, with some legal experts arguing that branding him a fugitive could be unconstitutional. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also condemned the declaration, insisting that Ofori-Atta’s status does not legally qualify as that of a fugitive. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about whether the OSP has treated him fairly, especially given the complexities surrounding the investigation. Despite the backlash, Darko insists that Ofori-Atta’s presence is necessary, adding that the OSP must ensure full compliance with legal procedures.
The situation has fueled political and legal debates, with some questioning the OSP’s approach while others demand accountability from the former finance minister. Critics argue that if similar high-profile individuals have been interviewed outside the country—such as Mahama’s brother in a separate case—the OSP should have extended the same courtesy to Ofori-Atta. On the other hand, supporters of the investigation stress that compliance with anti-corruption efforts is crucial, and Ofori-Atta should not be exempt. As the case unfolds, the OSP remains firm in its demand, maintaining that the former minister must return to face questioning in person, rather than relying on legal proxies.
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