‘I’ve spoken to Ofori-Atta; he is traumatized by fugitive label’ — Afenyo-Markin

Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, says former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently traumatized after being declared a wanted fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The NPP MP said, unlike what is being portrayed, Mr. Ofori-Atta sought permission from the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, before traveling abroad for medical treatment.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, February 13, Mr. Afenyo-Markin promised to engage the OSP and assured the House that he would personally ensure that the former minister avails himself once he returns to the country.

“As of this morning, I had an extensive engagement with him. He’s traumatized by the label given to him, but he believes his God is with him. He’s undergoing a procedure. In fact, I had an early morning engagement with the Chief of Staff, who confirmed that Ken Ofori-Atta wrote to him. He received the letter, and he was sincere in confirming that. So, within a reasonable time, I’m sure he will return.

“I will also engage the Office of the Special Prosecutor constructively and assure him that if there was any miscommunication, I, as a leader of my side, can guarantee that Mr. Ofori-Atta, who left the country with permission, will make himself available upon his return,” said the Effutu MP.

This comes after the OSP vowed to ensure that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta returned to Ghana to answer questions regarding his alleged involvement in financial irregularities.

The former minister, who has been declared a wanted fugitive, is reported to have left the country at the beginning of 2025 for medical reasons.

According to Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers wrote to the OSP, expressing their willingness to provide any relevant documents while their client’s stay abroad remains indefinite.

Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Wednesday, February 12, Mr. Kissi Agyebeng insisted that Mr. Ofori-Atta must personally appear to respond to questions related to the SML scandal, the National Cathedral project, the Ambulance scandal, and other corruption-related matters.