I’m ‘puzzled, dismayed’ – Ofori-Atta reacts to OSP probe

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has broken his silence on the legal issues surrounding him, expressing frustration over some developments with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

In an open letter dated February 26, Mr. Ofori-Atta described the situation as both confusing and distressing, stating that he felt the need to set the record straight.

His reaction follows an OSP-issued wanted notice against him, which was later revoked. The investigation, according to the OSP, focused on various financial dealings, including the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA Contract, ECG-BXC contract termination, payments related to the National Cathedral, procurement of ambulances, and the use of the Tax Refund Account.

Amid growing public scrutiny, the OSP later confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta had officially communicated plans to return voluntarily. As a result, he was removed from the wanted list, though the office cautioned that failure to return as promised would result in further legal action.

Reflecting on the situation, Mr. Ofori-Atta expressed his bewilderment at the unfolding events.

“I have been in the news recently in quite a dramatic manner. I thought it important that I share with you the facts surrounding recent events and news articles concerning me and Ghana's Special Prosecutor. I am as puzzled and dismayed, as I suspect you must be.

“I was out of the country on January 24, for medical reasons, when the Special Prosecutor invited me to an in-person meeting for Feb 10, 2025, in connection with four corruption and corruption-related cases. I was not the originating nor implementing Minister in any of these portfolios. I immediately responded through my lawyers, indicating my willingness to have them provide him with any information he may require to aid in his investigation, given that I will be out of the country for the next few months for medical reasons.

“The Special Prosecutor rejected the offer to meet with my lawyers, insisting on a firm date for my personal attendance. Instead on February 11th, my home was raided by armed National Security operatives. The Special Prosecutor remarked that I had staged the raid on my own home and, subsequently, launched an international campaign and declared that I was a wanted “fugitive from justice”.

-citinewsroom