Court dismisses Ofori-Atta’s application seeking to prevent OSP from declaring him wanted
The Human Rights Court has dismissed an application by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, which sought to prevent the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted ahead of his scheduled appearance on 2 June 2025.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who is under multiple investigations by the OSP and other state agencies relating to his tenure in office, had asked the court to restrain the OSP from issuing a “wanted” notice and from circulating his image online.https://www.youtube.com/embed/qKoPM3aLk8E?si=1guJ_NGZ09aOwTNB
He is currently the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice, and extradition proceedings have begun with the relevant authorities to secure his return to Ghana.
The dismissed application forms part of a series of civil suits he has filed against the OSP and the Republic, either to halt its operations or challenge the issuance of arrest warrants in the ongoing probes.
Background
On February 12, the OSP announced that Mr Ofori-Atta was a fugitive from justice, citing his failure to respond to invitations for questioning related to ongoing corruption investigations.
The anti-graft agency justified the move by stating that his absence was obstructing its work and necessitated a public notice to assist in his apprehension.
However, Mr Ofori-Atta’s lawyers contended that the declaration was both unjust and arbitrary.
They further contended that their client, a respected investment banker and former minister, had not deliberately evaded the OSP but was dealing with serious health challenges, including preparations for a major medical procedure.
His legal team insists that these health issues were formally communicated to the OSP prior to the declaration.
Though the OSP, on February 18, 2025, announced that it had removed Mr Ofori-Atta’s name from the wanted list, following assurances of his return to Ghana, his legal representatives are dissatisfied.
Mr Ofori-Atta was asking the court to hold that the Special Prosecutor’s conduct breached his rights to dignity, fair treatment, and administrative justice.
He also demanded compensation for the damages caused by the OSP’s announcement.
But the court, today, ruled against Ken Ofori-Atta.
