Former Director of the Ghana School of Law, lawyer Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has slammed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for its approach in investigating former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, describing it as ‘jungle justice.’
Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, he argued that while no one is above the law, individuals must still be treated with dignity.
“The OSP did not follow due process. This is jungle justice, which is not in line with the laws of this country. No one is above the law, but everyone has their freedom. There is no need to storm someone’s house and scare them,” he stated.
His comments follow the OSP’s press conference on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, where Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive over alleged financial misconduct.
The OSP is investigating suspected corruption and related offenses involving various contracts, including those linked to Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited, the Ghana Revenue Authority, the Electricity Company of Ghana, the National Cathedral project, and the Ministry of Health’s procurement of ambulances.
However, Lawyer Ansa-Asare questioned the decision to label Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive, arguing that the former minister is not hiding.
“Ken Ofori-Atta is not dead; he is alive. So why declare him a fugitive? He is not a small boy. If he says he is going to the hospital for medical checks, why should that be a reason to declare him wanted?” he asked.
He further claimed that the OSP is being politically influenced by the current administration.
“He is being used by Mahama. He has disgraced Ken Ofori-Atta and Ghanaians. If we say no one is above the law, then there should also be freedom as enshrined in our constitution,” he said.
The legal expert also compared the situation to previous government actions, insisting that President Mahama is repeating the mistakes of his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo.
“The same mistakes Nana Addo made, Mahama is also making. Ghanaians will soon vote him out once they become uncomfortable,” he asserted.
Lawyer Osei Asare further questioned why Mr. Ofori-Atta was being singled out, suggesting that other officials accused of financial misconduct had not been pursued with the same intensity.
“Is he the only one who has taken money? Why chase him as if he is a criminal? How can you call him a fugitive?” he lamented.
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