KEY POINTS
- Ofori-Atta has been removed from the OSP’s wanted list after confirming a return date.
- His failure to return as scheduled will reinstate his fugitive status.
- The OSP remains committed to due process in handling corruption cases.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has officially removed former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta from its list of wanted persons following his confirmation of a definite return date to Ghana.
In a press release dated February 18, 2025, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta, who was previously declared a fugitive, had now committed to returning voluntarily.
The OSP had initially placed him on its wanted list on February 12, 2025, after he failed to provide a return date despite being summoned for questioning over alleged corruption and related offenses.
His legal team has now formally notified the OSP of his scheduled return, prompting the office to revise its stance. His appearance before investigators has been rescheduled to align with his arrival.
Consequences of a missed return date
The OSP clarified that Ofori-Atta’s removal from the wanted list is conditional upon his timely return.
“As a result, Mr. Ofori-Atta has been removed from the OSP’s list of wanted persons and is no longer considered a fugitive, provided he returns as agreed,” the statement read.
However, the office warned that any failure to adhere to the agreed date could result in his immediate reinstatement on the wanted list and the initiation of legal proceedings to ensure his compliance.
Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s finance minister from 2017 to 2023, has been the subject of ongoing corruption investigations.
According to Graphic Online, his removal from the list comes after weeks of speculation about his whereabouts and potential non-cooperation with the probe.
OSP reaffirms commitment to due process
The OSP reconfirmed its commitment to achieving accountability in cases regarding corruption, even after progress in some areas.
“The OSP is committed to its mandate of ensuring accountability guided by due process and fairness,” the statement concluded.
The case has been closely followed, given Ofori-Atta’s influential role in Ghana’s financial policies and his association with various economic decisions that have shaped the nation’s fiscal landscape.
His return is expected to shed light on important financial dealings during his tenure, as many people wait for details about his legal challenges.
