The former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is traumatized by the fugitive labelling by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), the Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has said.
Afenyo-Marjin who said Mr Ofori-Atta is not a fugitive indicated that in reasonable time, he will return from the United States where he is undergoing medical treatment.
“Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, as of this morning, I had an extensive engagement with him, he is traumatized by the labelling of this adjective [fugitive] described to his person but he still knows that his God is with him. He is undergoing some medical procedure. In fact I had an early morning engagement with the Chief of Staff who confirmed that indeed Mr Ken Ofori-Atta wrote to him and he is in receipt of the letter . So within a reasonable time, I am sure he would come,” he said in Parliament on Thursday, February 13.
Ken Ofori-Atta is wanted by the OSP for cases being investigated including; the loss reduction contract between ECG and Beijing Jao, procurement over National Cathedral, contracts awarded by the Health Ministry to Service Ghana Auto Limited/Ambulances and the SML-GRA deal.
The OSP further emphasized that it would take all necessary measures to compel the former minister to appear and answer questions related to the investigations.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta had repeatedly refused to honour invitations for questioning regarding ongoing investigations in which he is a suspect.
“Consequently, the OSP declares Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta a wanted person. He is a fugitive from the law,” Agyebeng announced.
Responding to the OSP, the Lawyers of Mr Ofori-Atta said “We write as Solicitors for Kenneth Ofori–Atta in respect of the above subject and refer to your letter dated 24th January 2025. We are informed by our client that a letter dated 24:” day of January 2025 was left at our client’s security post for his attention. Our client had been out of the country and therefore not in his home in Ghana at the time.
“The said letter has been brought to our attention on the instructions of our client who is still out of Ghana. The said letter is inviting our client to attend in person at your offices on Monday 10″ February 2025 at 10am.”
It added that “Our client gave notice to the former Chief of Staff in early January and more recently to the current Chief of Staff of his trip outside the country on medical grounds. Our client is currently undergoing medical observation and tests culminating in medical decisions to be taken in due course as to the way forward with treatment. After that he will have a better idea of when he is able to proceed to Ghana
“We are therefore humbly bringing to your attention that we shall give you notice of his arrival in the country so as to reschedule your invitation to him for the purposes as stated in the heading of your letter under reference.
“We are, however, able and willing to provide you with any information you may require to aid in your investigations until our client is back in the country for any in–person investigations outlined in the said letter.”
