Ken Ofori-Atta Misses OSP Summons, Requests Virtual Option Instead
Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, didn’t show up for a scheduled session with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2, 2025. The reason? Health troubles. His legal team submitted medical documents explaining his condition and proposed that he take part in the proceedings online instead, leaning on provisions in the Electronic Transactions Act to back their request.
According to the documents, Ofori-Atta’s health has taken a turn for the worse, and he’s expected to undergo surgery soon. His lawyers argue that allowing him to join virtually would keep the case moving without completely stalling things, especially since he still needs to provide a formal cautioned statement.
As of now, the OSP hasn’t said whether they’ll go along with the virtual option or insist on an in-person session.
Ken Ofori-Atta Risks Being Declared a Fugitive Again
Ahead of Monday’s missed appointment, the OSP had already fired a warning shot: If Ofori-Atta failed to show up, he could be declared a wanted man again. That would involve an INTERPOL Red Notice and potential extradition procedures, not exactly the kind of headlines a former finance minister wants.
This isn’t the first time Ofori-Atta’s been in this situation. He’s already in court challenging an earlier decision by the OSP that labeled him a fugitive. The Human Rights Court is expected to rule on that case on June 18, and whatever comes out of that decision could seriously shift the trajectory of these ongoing investigations.
So, while things are still up in the air, what’s clear is that the legal drama is far from over.
What Exactly Is Ofori-Atta Being Investigated For?
The list of allegations is long and not exactly light reading. The investigations cover multiple major areas, all tied to financial and procurement decisions made during Ofori-Atta’s time in office from 2017 to early 2025.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Petroleum & Minerals Revenue Assurance
The focus here is on deals involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority. Investigators are questioning how Ghana’s revenue from natural resources was monitored and safeguarded.
Electricity Contract Cancellation
Authorities are digging into the abrupt cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Chinese tech firm Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC). The process and reasoning behind the termination are under scrutiny.
National Cathedral Project
This controversial project has raised eyebrows for a while. Now, investigators are looking at how contracts were awarded and how donor funds were managed, especially with growing concerns over cost overruns and transparency.
Ambulance Procurement
The deal to buy and maintain 307 ambulances for the Ministry of Health is under the microscope. Questions have popped up around the cost, delivery timelines, and the performance terms of the contract with Service Ghana Auto Group.
GRA Tax P-Fund
Lastly, there’s an investigation into how the Ghana Revenue Authority managed funds from its Tax P-Fund Account, which was supposed to be used to strengthen tax compliance infrastructure.
All these investigations paint a picture of systemic lapses in financial oversight, and they’re now catching up with Ofori-Atta.
Why This Case Could Set a Big Legal Precedent
Ofori-Atta’s legal battles aren’t just personal; they’re political and symbolic, too. Some see the OSP’s aggressive pursuit as proof that Ghana’s finally getting serious about high-level corruption. Others worry the office is being used to settle political scores.
Either way, the decision on whether he can testify remotely could set a significant precedent. If the court and the OSP agree, future defendants with serious health issues may cite this case as a reference. However, if they push back, it could reinforce the idea that no one is above showing up in person, regardless of health issues.
And don’t forget: the Human Rights Court ruling on June 18 could either uphold or reject the OSP’s ability to declare people as fugitives while investigations are still underway. That outcome could reshape how the OSP operates moving forward.
Ken Ofori-Atta Interpol red notice
Final Thoughts
With the court date looming and no clear decision yet from the OSP, a lot is hanging in the balance. Whether Ken Ofori-Atta will be allowed to log in from a hospital room or be dragged back into the courtroom spotlight remains to be seen.
But one thing’s for sure, this case is far from just another political scandal. It’s a test of Ghana’s legal system, its commitment to transparency, and how we treat those accused of corruption when they’re no longer in power but still very much in the public eye.
