We Investigated a Former President — What’s Special About Ofori-Atta? – Special Prosecutor Fires Back
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has defended the decision to re-declare former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a wanted individual, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Addressing the media at a press briefing on Monday, June 2, Mr. Agyebeng dismissed criticisms surrounding the move, asserting that there is “nothing special” about placing Mr. Ofori-Atta on a wanted list.
“Is this the first time someone in this country has been declared wanted? All the persons declared wanted before him — were they not human?” he questioned. “There’s nothing secretive about it. It is simply a legal process.”
Citing former President John Mahama’s own interactions with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Mr. Agyebeng underscored that neither current nor former high-ranking officials are exempt from scrutiny.
“We investigated a former president — have you forgotten? On August 8, 2024, I stood right here and disclosed our findings. A former president. He complied with the process. Much less a former Finance Minister.”
He reiterated that the OSP operates on principle, not personality.
“The OSP does not regard titles, positions, or status in life. Everyone is subject to the law. No one is beyond our reach. If we consider you a suspect in a criminal investigation, you’re fair game.”
Rejecting any suggestion that suspects can dictate investigative procedures, the Special Prosecutor stated:
“A suspect in a criminal matter cannot determine how an investigation should proceed — when to appear, how to appear, or where to appear. We do not take caution statements online from foreign jurisdictions.”
The latest declaration of Mr. Ofori-Atta as a wanted person takes effect today, June 2, 2025. This follows his failure to appear in person at the OSP headquarters, violating a prior agreement that had temporarily removed him from the wanted list.
Mr. Ofori-Atta was initially declared a “fugitive from justice” in February 2025 after repeatedly ignoring summonses related to corruption allegations.
The ongoing investigations focus on his role in contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) for revenue assurance, the controversial National Cathedral project, and other financial activities during his tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024.
Credit: Prince Adu-Owusu
