OSP at odds with the law and basic human sensitivity; Ofori-Atta not a fugitive

Richard Ahiagbah, the National Communications Director of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over its recent investigations involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

His remark follows the OSP’s declaration of Mr. Ofori-Atta as a wanted fugitive.

The former Finance Minister reportedly left the country in early 2025 for medical reasons. According to the Special Prosecutor, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers informed the OSP of his indefinite stay abroad while offering to provide relevant documents to any question.

Addressing the media on February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng insisted that Mr. Ofori-Atta must return to answer questions about alleged corruption in the SML deal, the National Cathedral project, and the Ambulance Spare Parts case.

The NPP spokesperson argued that the anti-graft agency’s action is a violation of the country’s laws, emphasizing that the former Minister has not absconded from justice.

“The OSP is frolicking alone, at odds with the law and basic human sensitivity. Ken Ofori-Atta is not a fugitive from justice,” Mr. Ahiagbah wrote in a social media post on Thursday, February 13.

Similarly, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, a former Director of the Ghana School of Law, has criticized Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng for declaring Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive, describing the move as rushed and improper.

He argued that the Special Prosecutor failed to follow due process and called for his immediate dismissal, insisting that Mr. Agyebeng lacks the moral authority and dignity required for the role.

“If the Special Prosecutor believes Ken Ofori-Atta won’t return, then he should follow due process and try him in absentia. How do you use a three-week timeframe to declare someone a fugitive? This is totally uncalled for; it hits below the belt,” Mr. Ansah-Asare said during an interview on Accra-based Asaase Radio’s Breakfast Show on Thursday, February 13.

The legal scholar stressed the importance of adhering to the Constitution, warning that public declarations of this nature could have serious repercussions.

“Ken Ofori-Atta is a family man. Does the Special Prosecutor have any idea of the repercussions of his public utterances? Let us go about this in a more civilized manner,” he added.