The clock is ticking for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as the 24-hour countdown to his scheduled appearance before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) draws to a close tomorrow, June 2. With no indication of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana, uncertainty hangs heavy over the highly anticipated encounter.
Sources close to The High Street Journal suggest that the meeting may not materialize as planned, with indications that the former Minister might not honour the invitation. While these sources are not entirely definitive, information available to them points to Mr. Ofori-Atta being unable to show up. The reasons behind this potential non-appearance remain unclear, but should he fail to present himself, it is widely expected to trigger a protracted legal battle between the OSP and Mr. Ofori-Atta.
The OSP’s investigation into Mr. Ofori-Atta spans several high-profile matters that have garnered significant public attention. These include the contentious Strategic Mobilisation Limited-Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) contract, the termination of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG)-BXC agreement, payments linked to the National Cathedral project, procurement of ambulances, and the handling of the Tax Refund Account. These ongoing probes initially led to his placement on the OSP’s wanted list, sparking widespread public interest and debate.
However, the OSP subsequently withdrew Mr. Ofori-Atta’s name from the list after his legal team confirmed his intention to voluntarily return to Ghana. According to his representatives, the former minister has been out of the country since February, seeking medical treatment abroad.
Despite the expectation that Mr. Ofori-Atta would be back in the country by the end of May, doubts persist regarding his personal appearance before the OSP. While some public figures, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, months back expressed confidence in Mr. Ofori-Atta’s compliance, no official confirmation has been issued by the former minister or his representatives in recent times.
In a stark statement dated March 17, 2025, the OSP unequivocally stated that any failure to appear as scheduled would result in Mr. Ofori-Atta’s immediate reclassification as a wanted person.
As the tomorrow deadline rapidly approaches, national attention is intensifying. The crucial question remains: Will Ken Ofori-Atta return to face the Special Prosecutor, or will his absence ignite a fresh round of legal and political drama? As of now, the latter scenario appears increasingly plausible.
