Ghana's former Finance Minister declared fugitive over corruption allegations—What we know
Ghana’s immediate past Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been declared a fugitive and is wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for his alleged involvement in multiple corrupt practices that have caused significant financial losses to the state.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated, “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta. Mr. Ofori-Atta is 66 years old. He served as the Minister of Finance of the Republic from 2017 to 2024.”
Although Ofori-Atta has reportedly left the country on medical grounds, the OSP has insisted on his return, warning that failure to comply will result in legal measures being taken to facilitate his extradition and prosecution.
“Mr. Ofori-Atta left the jurisdiction on or around January 2, 2025. On January 24, 2025, the OSP formally notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was considered a suspect in connection with four corruption cases. He was instructed to appear in person on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10 GMT for an interview. However, his lawyers informed the OSP that he had left the jurisdiction indefinitely on medical grounds,” Agyebeng added.
Corruption Scandals
The OSP has cited Ofori-Atta in multiple corruption-related cases between 2019 and 2023, including the disbursement of funds without proper authorisation. Key among these cases are:
- The payment of approximately GHC 1 billion (about $64 million) to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd in 2019 without approval from the country’s procurement authority.
- The disbursement of GHC 142.7 million towards the National Cathedral project, which remains incomplete, amongst others
According to local media outlet Joy News, the funds disbursed to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd were meant for various services, including transaction audit services, petroleum product measurement audits, and external price verification. Additionally, payments related to the National Cathedral project, a contract for purchasing and maintaining ambulances, and activities surrounding the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tax refund account are under scrutiny.
The OSP detailed five key scandals involving the former minister:
- Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. and the GRA for revenue assurance in the petroleum and minerals sectors.
- The termination of a distribution loss reduction and network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology (BXC).
- Procurement and financial activities related to the National Cathedral project.
- Contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health for ambulance procurement and servicing.
- Utilisation of funds from the GRA tax refund account.
Alleged house raid denied
Regarding reports of a raid on Ofori-Atta’s residence on February 11, the OSP has denied any involvement.
“The OSP never raided the house of the former minister on Tuesday, February 11, or any other day. We never asked any uniformed personnel to storm Kenneth Ofori-Atta’s house; that is not our style. If the OSP conducts a search, it is done in a formal and identifiable manner, as we have unique procedures and official identity logos,” Agyebeng clarified.
