The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially removed former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta from its wanted list after he committed to returning to Ghana voluntarily to face investigations into alleged corruption and corruption-related offenses.
This decision marks a significant turning point in the high-profile case that has captured national attention.
The OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng, had declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive on February 12, 2025, after he failed to provide a reasonable timeline for his return to Ghana.
The former minister had been summoned by the OSP for questioning in connection with several suspected corruption cases but did not comply with the directive to appear in person at the OSP’s office in Accra on a specified date. His prolonged stay outside the country, coupled with his lack of communication, prompted the OSP to issue a public declaration labeling him as a wanted person.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Ofori-Atta’s legal team contacted the OSP on February 18, 2025, providing a definitive date for his voluntary return to Ghana.
“On 18 February 2025, Mr. Ofori-Atta transmitted a communication through his lawyers to the OSP by which he stated a definite date of his voluntary return to the jurisdiction. This marks a major shift from Mr. Ofori-Atta’s previous intention of remaining outside the jurisdiction
indefinitely”.
In response, the OSP rescheduled Ofori-Atta’s appearance for questioning and subsequently removed him from its wanted list.
“On 18 February 2025, the OSP acceded to Mr. Ofori-Atta’s request as it deemed his stated date of voluntary return to the jurisdiction reasonable in the circumstances. On 18 February 2025, the Special Prosecutor rescheduled the date of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s attendance at the OSP taking into account Mr. Ofori-Atta’s stated date of voluntary return to the jurisdiction”.
The office also clarified that it no longer considers him a fugitive from justice—at least for now.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta has been removed from the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the
OSP ceases to consider Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice pending his voluntary return to the jurisdiction cina his stated date”.
The Special Prosecutor warned, however, that if Ofori-Atta fails to honor his commitment to return or does not appear on the rescheduled date, he will be re-listed as wanted and further legal measures will be taken to compel his attendance.
“If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to voluntarily return to the jurisdiction cina his stated date, and if Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the rescheduled date, he shall be
re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall then consider him a fugitive
from justice, and the OSP shall take all necessary legal steps to secure his return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP at our own choosing”.
This case has ignited widespread public interest due to its implications for Ghana’s fight against corruption and accountability among high-ranking officials. As Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta was a central figure in managing Ghana’s economy during challenging times, but allegations of corruption have cast a shadow over his legacy.
www.kumasimail.com / Kwadwo Owusu
