The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted fugitive.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng revealed that Mr. Ofori-Atta is a suspect in high-profile corruption investigations.
He outlined cases involving the National Cathedral project, Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML), the termination of the ECG and Beijing Technology Limited contract, the procurement of ambulances, and payments from the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) tax refund account.
Mr. Agyebeng disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers claim he is seeking medical treatment abroad and is not within Ghana’s jurisdiction. However, the Special Prosecutor questioned the authenticity of the medical report provided, describing it as “concocted.”
He urged the former minister to return voluntarily or face extradition.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the media, the fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta,” he declared.
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Below are the full details of the cases:
1. Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited & GRA Contract
Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation regarding contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for the stated purpose of enhancing revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and the minerals and metals resources value chain.
2. ECG and Beijing Technology Limited Contract Termination
The OSP is probing the termination of a distribution loss reduction and network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Technology Limited.
3. National Cathedral Project
Mr. Ofori-Atta is also being investigated over procurement of contractors, materials, activities, and payments in relation to the controversial National Cathedral project.
4. Procurement of Ambulances
The former Finance Minister is linked to investigations into contracts awarded by the Ministry of Health (originally initiated by the Ministry for Special Development Initiatives) to Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase, after-sales service, and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 305 CDI ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.
5. GRA’s Tax Refund Account Payments
The OSP is probing payments made from and the utilization of the Ghana Revenue Authority’s tax refund account.