OSP refutes claims of non-cooperation in Ken Ofori-Atta extradition case

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has rejected allegations that it is obstructing or refusing to collaborate with the Attorney-General’s Department in efforts to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to Ghana to face criminal proceedings.

Earlier this year, the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted and secured an Interpol Red Notice for his arrest over his alleged role in multiple ongoing corruption investigations.

Despite earlier assurances, the former minister has reportedly failed to return to Ghana voluntarily.

In January 2025, the OSP named him as a key suspect in a series of corruption-related cases, including alleged irregularities involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), questionable expenditures tied to the National Cathedral project, and issues concerning health and tax refund operations.

Mr. Ofori-Atta was officially declared a fugitive from justice in February 2025 after repeatedly failing to respond to summons from the OSP. His legal team later appealed for his removal from the wanted list, pledging that he would return to face investigators.

However, in June 2025, after he once again failed to appear on the scheduled date, the OSP reinstated his fugitive status and reaffirmed its decision to continue with extradition measures in collaboration with Interpol.

Ten months on, Mr. Ofori-Atta has neither been apprehended abroad nor returned voluntarily. Recent reports had alleged friction between the OSP and the Attorney-General’s office over the handling of the extradition request.

Sources within the OSP, however, maintain that the office is fully engaged with the process and that “the matter is receiving the necessary attention.”

Mr. Ofori-Atta’s ongoing absence continues to draw public interest, as his name remains linked to several high-profile investigations into alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as Finance Minister.