The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a fugitive. During a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng said “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Ofori-Atta”. He declared him a fugitive on the grounds of causing financial loss to the state in several dealings including the construction of the famous National Cathedral and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA’s) – Strategic Mobilization Ghana Ltd (SML).
The former minister is wanted because he involves the construction of the National Cathedral promised by the former President, Akufo-Addo. Mr Ofori Atta was the one who released state funds for the project.
In 2020, Ken Ofori-Atta on the request of President Akufo-Addo’s Chief of Staff, authorized the release of a gargantuan ¢142.7million for the national cathedral project.
Despite the release of these funds, the construction hangs in the balance as those in charge have allegedly mismanaged the funds.
It has also emerged that the board of trustees of the project led by Rev. Kusi Boateng, mishandled the bulk part of the funds. Mr Ofori-Atta has been blamed for releasing the funds without considering the value of money and accountability.
In the case of the GRA and SML, the finance minister is again accused by the public of going into a deal that has caused financial loss to the state.
In 2019, GRA executed a payment of over ₵1 billion to SML under the auspices of Mr. Ken Ofori Atta without the involvement of the Public Procurement Authority’s approval as the constitution demands.
This money was paid to SML for the services of Transaction Audit Services, Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products, Consolidation Services Agreement (Transaction Audit and External Verification Services), External Price Verification Services, Addendum to Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Agreement, Consolidation of the first consolidation contract and downstream petroleum audit contract and extension of the scope of SML’s services and Contract Extension.
Over the years, anti-corruption agencies and individuals have called for the prosecution of Mr Ofori Atta for causing financial loss to the state.
Key among them were the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and some others who have sued the former minister, GRA, and SML for corruption and demanded a refund of the money.
The OSP has since taken over the matter and other substantial corruption-related cases in the country.
The OSP has therefore declared the former finance minister, Ken Ofori Atta wanted and that he is a fugitive of justice.
According to the OSP, Ken Ofori Atta has no intention of voluntarily returning to the jurisdiction. The OSP has warned that it will take all necessary legal steps to secure his return and ensure his attendance.
“You have two choices, either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP will enforce your return.”
