OSP’s ‘political persecution’ of Ofori-Atta sanctioned by the Presidency — Martin Amidu

Former Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu, has alleged that the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) investigations against former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, are part of a state-sponsored political persecution orchestrated by the Presidency.

In an opinion editorial dated June 23, Mr. Amidu described the search of Ofori-Atta’s home and his declaration as a fugitive as “a unified approved government operation” disguised as independent action by using the OSP.

The former Minister of Finance, who is currently abroad receiving medical treatment, was first declared wanted by the OSP in February and later in June after failing to appear in person at the OSP for questioning.

The OSP later requested an INTERPOL Red Notice for his arrest over suspected abuse of public office for profit.

However, Mr. Amidu argues that revelations by Deputy Attorney-General Justice Srem-Sai in a JoyNews interview have exposed the coordinated nature of the investigations.

“The balloon concealing the dishonourable lies and disclaimers the Special Prosecutor has consistently told the citizens of Ghana… has been burst,” Mr. Amidu wrote.

He cited the Deputy Minister of Justice’s statement that “the government has now initiated processes to extradite Mr. Ofori-Atta from abroad,” as evidence of President Mahama’s involvement.

He cautioned the Mahama-led administration to resist the temptation to repeat the same unconstitutional practices it once condemned.

“Professionally unconstitutional and unethical investigatory and prosecutorial conduct is like a cork which regardless of how forcefully it is pushed down will always float to the surface,” Mr. Amidu stated.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is currently under investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for alleged corruption-related offences, including matters relating to the National Cathedral project and the SML scandal.