The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive, following a raid on his residence by armed military personnel, and police officers on Tuesday.
The OSP’s declaration stems from allegations of dubious contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization 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.
In 2019, GRA executed a payment of over GH₵1 billion to SML under the guidance of Mr. Ofori Atta without the approval of the Public Procurement Authority (PPA).
Further, the OSP said Ken Ofori Atta on the request of Former President Akufo-Addo’s Chief of Staff, in 2020 authorized the release of GH₵ 142.7 million for the national cathedral project.
Since the disbursement, the construction of the cathedral continues to hang in the balance, as no meaningful construction has yet to start. Mr Ofori-Atta has been blamed for releasing the funds without considering the value of money and accountability.
Further, the OSP indicated that activities and payments in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health (initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
In respect to this, in July 2024, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, petitioned the OSP to investigate Mr. Ofori-Atta and former Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman-Manu over claims of collusion with a private company to defraud the state. Mr. Ablakwa alleged that Mr. Ofori-Atta hastily approved the deal of a $34.9 million procurement deal for ambulance spare parts days before leaving office.
However, subsequent attempts to locate Mr. Ofori-Atta for questioning have been unsuccessful, leading the OSP to declare him a fugitive.
In a letter dated February 7, 2025, lawyers of Mr. Ofori-Atta indicated that their client has been seen and evaluated at US health facility, the Mayo Clinic.
The letter reads: “His medical condition necessitates that he will stay and follow-up on his appointments and undergoing further testing and management including possible surgical Intervention in March of 2025.”
Nonetheless, as the investigation continues, the OSP has assured to take all necessary legal steps to secure his return to the country.
