The Director of Communications for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has dismissed claims that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is attempting to flee the country.
According to Mr Ahiagbah, Mr Ofori-Atta is not “a flight risk” and is fully available to cooperate with any investigation into the corruption allegations against him.
His comments follow a press conference held by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Wednesday, 12 February 2025, where Mr Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive.
The OSP accused the former minister of causing financial loss to the state in various transactions, including the controversial construction of the National Cathedral and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) partnership with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd. (SML).
Mr Ofori-Atta is also wanted in connection with the National Cathedral project, which was pledged by former President Akufo-Addo.
He reportedly authorised the release of a substantial ¢142.7 million for the project, but construction has stalled amid allegations of financial mismanagement by those overseeing it.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse on Wednesday, 12 February, Mr Ahiagbah argued that the OSP’s stance implies that Mr Ofori-Atta is already guilty.
However, he emphasised that the former minister has not been convicted of any crime and remains only a suspect.
He stressed that suspects can assist in investigations, stating: “I don’t think that Ken Ofori-Atta would want to evade any such responsibility.”
Mr Ahiagbah also highlighted Mr Ofori-Atta’s past health challenges, recalling that even during his tenure as Finance Minister, he made every effort to serve to the best of his ability.
“If at this time, the chips are down and he wants to attend to himself medically, I think that we should accord him the space and not engage in this grandstanding that the Special Prosecutor is doing,” Mr Ahiagbah stated.
