By G. Watson Richards
Ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, now a fugitive, is wanted by the Ghanaian government to account for his stewardship as the nation’s finance chief under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
The new government has accused Ofori-Atta of corruption, conflict of interest, procurement discrepancies, and misuse of public office for personal benefits. Ofori-Atta was declared wanted by the Special Prosecutor of Ghana while out of the county, but has since failed to return due to medical reasons according to his legal team.
According to the special prosecutor, Ofori-Atta directly participated and facilitated multiple acts of corruption when he served as Minister of Finance from 27 January 27, 2017 to February 14, 2024.
While abroad, the ex-Finance Minister claimed that he is being unlawfully treated and targeted by State prosecutors. His legal team, represented by Attorney Frank Davis, has criticized the special prosecutor for using an unlawful approach in pursuing Ofori-Atta.
“We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them. The special prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr. Ofori-Atta is unwell and receiving treatment,” Davis said to AFP news agency.
Amid this ongoing controversy, a red notice has been issued by Interpol for the 65-year-old former Finance Minister. This means that Ofori-Atta could be detained in any one of the 196 member States of Interpol and extradited to Ghana if his whereabouts is known.
The special prosecutor has indicted Mr. Ofori-Atta for causing huge financial losses to Ghana, including an alleged questionable expenditure of $58m (£46.6m).
