Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive, demanding his immediate return to face corruption charges linked to his tenure under ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration (2017–2024).
On 14th February he was replaced as the finance minister by president Akuffo Addo in a cabinet reshuffle following criticism of his handling of the country’s economic system. He was replaced by Mohammed Amin Adam.
The dramatic move by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng underscores the John Mahama government’s aggressive push to recover allegedly looted state funds and hold former officials accountable.
Since assuming office in January 2025, President John Mahama’s administration has prioritized investigating alleged financial misconduct under the previous government. The probe into Ofori-Atta, widely criticized for his management of Ghana’s economy, centers on five high-profile cases flagged by the OSP as “grave breaches of public trust.”
At a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng outlined the following cases as he declared him a Fugitive:
- SML-GRA Revenue Assurance Contract: Questionable contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance in petroleum and mining sectors, suspected of inflating costs and lacking transparency.
- ECG-BXC Contract Termination: Allegedly irregular termination of a $100 million contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology (BXC) aimed at reducing distribution losses, raising concerns about procedural fairness.
- National Cathedral Project Procurement: Suspected irregularities in contractor selection, material procurement, and payments for the controversial National Cathedral project, a flagship initiative of the Akufo-Addo administration. The project has cost $58 million and yet still just a pit with nothing substantial.
Ken Ofori-atta in his office - Ambulance Procurement Scandal: A Ministry of Health contract awarded to Ghana Auto Group Limited for 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter ambulances. Experts revealed that maintenance costs exceeded the price of new vehicles, sparking public outrage over suspected graft. Also, the spare parts deal was allegedly linked to president Akuffo Addo’s daughter who did not meet the qualification for such a significant contract. The $34.9 million price tag for spare parts is alarming high, especially when compared to the cost of purchasing new ambulances.
- Tax Refund Account Misuse: Unauthorized withdrawals and utilization of GRA’s tax refund account, allegedly diverting funds meant for citizen reimbursements.
On January 24, 2025, the OSP notified Ofori-Atta of his status as a suspect in four of the five cases and summoned him for interrogation on February 10. However, his lawyers informed the OSP that he had left Ghana indefinitely for medical treatment, refusing to comply.
“Ken Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person,” Agyebeng declared. “He must return immediately to answer for these actions, which have severely undermined public confidence in governance.”
The ambulance deal, in particular, has drawn fierce criticism. Civil society groups and opposition figures have long accused Ofori-Atta of presiding over opaque deals that exacerbated Ghana’s debt crisis. The Mahama administration’s crackdown has been met with both praise and skepticism, with some viewing it as a genuine anti-corruption effort and others as political retribution.
The OSP has vowed to pursue international cooperation to secure Ofori-Atta’s repatriation if he fails to return voluntarily. Legal experts suggest Interpol red notices and asset freezes could follow. Meanwhile, the former minister’s allies argue the charges are politically motivated, citing his health-related absence.
This case represents a pivotal moment for Ghana’s anti-corruption framework. As the Mahama administration seeks to reclaim public trust, the pursuit of high-profile figures like Ofori-Atta signals a bold stance—but its success hinges on adherence to due process and judicial transparency.
