Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has filed a lawsuit against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and its head, Kissi Agyebeng, challenging what he describes as an unlawful declaration of his fugitive status. He is seeking compensation and a court ruling affirming that the OSP’s actions violated his fundamental human rights.
The lawsuit, filed on March 13, 2025, at the Accra High Court, follows the OSP’s public notice on February 12, 2025, which declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a wanted person. The anti-corruption body justified the move by alleging that the former minister had repeatedly failed to honor invitations for questioning in an ongoing corruption investigation.
According to the OSP, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s absence was obstructing its work, necessitating the public declaration to facilitate his apprehension.
However, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team contends that the declaration was arbitrary and unjustified. They argue that their client, a respected investment banker and former minister, had not intentionally evaded the OSP but was managing serious health issues, including preparations for a major medical procedure. His lawyers maintain that these health concerns were formally communicated to the OSP before the public notice was issued.
Although the OSP announced on February 18, 2025, that it had removed Mr. Ofori-Atta’s name from the wanted list after receiving assurances of his return to Ghana, his legal representatives insist that the damage had already been done. They argue that the public declaration caused irreparable harm to his reputation and well-being, especially as his details reportedly remained on the OSP’s website.
In his suit, Mr. Ofori-Atta is asking the court to rule that the Special Prosecutor’s actions violated his rights to dignity, fair treatment, and administrative justice. He is also demanding compensation for the harm caused by the OSP’s announcement.
The case is expected to test the limits of the Special Prosecutor’s authority in publicly designating individuals as fugitives, particularly in cases involving health-related concerns.
Read the full suit below: