By Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has initiated legal action against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He accuses its head, Kissi Agyebeng, of unlawfully declaring him a wanted person.
The lawsuit was filed on March 13, 2025, at the Accra High Court. It seeks compensation. The lawsuit also seeks a declaration that the OSP’s actions violated his fundamental human rights.
The OSP had on February 12, 2025, publicly declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice. The anti-graft body justified this move. They stated that the former minister had failed to honor invitations for questioning. This was in relation to ongoing corruption investigations.
According to the OSP, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s absence was obstructing its work, prompting the public notice to aid in his apprehension.
However, lawyers for Mr. Ofori-Atta argue that the declaration was both unfair and capricious. They contend that their client is a respected investment banker and former minister. He had not deliberately evaded the OSP. He was dealing with serious health challenges. This included preparations for a major medical procedure. His legal team insists that these health issues were formally communicated to the OSP prior to the declaration.
Though the OSP, on February 18, 2025, announced that it had removed Mr. Ofori-Atta’s name from the wanted list following assurances of his return to Ghana, his legal representatives are dissatisfied.
They argue that the initial declaration has caused irreparable reputational harm. It has also caused stress. His details reportedly remain on the OSP’s website as a wanted person.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is asking the court to rule that the Special Prosecutor’s conduct breached his rights to dignity. It also violated his rights to fair treatment and administrative justice. He is also demanding compensation for the damages caused by the OSP’s announcement.
The case is expected to test the limits of the Special Prosecutor’s authority. This is especially concerning publicly labeling individuals as fugitives. This issue is significant in the face of ongoing health issues.
