Kenneth Ofori-Atta Unable to Appear Before Special Prosecutor Due to Health Concerns

Sources close to former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta have confirmed that he will not be able to appear in person before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) today, June 2, 2025, as originally scheduled. The development is attributed to a sudden deterioration in his health condition.

Frank Davies, a member of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team, disclosed that the OSP and the Human Rights Court have both been formally notified of the situation. Comprehensive medical documentation, including reports of scheduled surgical procedures, has been submitted to support the claim.

This latest development comes amid increasing public speculation over the OSP’s next steps. Over the weekend, various media outlets suggested that Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng might declare Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted once more if he failed to show up on the scheduled date.

However, the former minister currently has a pending case at the Human Rights Court challenging the OSP’s previous declaration of him as a wanted person. On May 28, 2025, the OSP confirmed via its official X (formerly Twitter) account that the court has set June 18, 2025, to deliver its ruling on a motion filed by Mr. Ofori-Atta. In that motion, he seeks an injunction against the OSP from declaring him wanted again and requests the removal of any such declarations from the OSP’s social media channels.

In the interim, Mr. Ofori-Atta has expressed a willingness to cooperate with the investigation virtually. His legal team has proposed that he provide a cautioned statement remotely, in accordance with the Electronic Transactions Act, while he continues to receive medical treatment. As of now, the OSP has not issued any formal response to this offer.

Background: The OSP’s Investigation

The former finance minister is currently under investigation in connection with five separate cases:

1. Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SMGL) – Contractual arrangements between SMGL and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2. Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) Contract – The termination of an agreement with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

3. National Cathedral Project – Procurement processes and financial transactions related to the controversial project.

4. Ambulance Procurement – A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.

5. GRA Tax P-Fund Management – Disbursement and oversight of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.

Timeline of Key Events

• January 2025: The OSP officially notifies Mr. Ofori-Atta that he is a suspect in the cases and requests his presence on February 10.

• 31 January 2025: His legal team informs the OSP of his indefinite stay abroad for medical treatment and offers to represent him in his absence.

• 5 February 2025: The OSP rejects the explanation, insisting on a return date and reminding that legal counsel cannot respond to criminal allegations on behalf of a client.

• 10 February 2025: A medical note is submitted indicating ongoing tests and possible surgery, but no firm return date is provided.

• 12 February 2025: With no further engagement, the OSP declares Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive based on an arrest warrant.

• 18 February 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta commits to returning in May and is removed from the wanted list by the OSP.

• March 2025: He files a legal suit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation and the removal of the ‘wanted’ designation from public platforms.

• 28 March 2025: The Human Rights Court hears his interim application for an injunction against any future declarations.

• 2 June 2025: Mr. Ofori-Atta was scheduled to appear before the OSP in person but is unable to do so due to medical complications.

The Human Rights Court is expected to deliver its ruling on June 18, 2025. All eyes remain on the OSP for its response to the latest turn of events.