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Els MBN360
Ghana’s institutional anti-corruption efforts have suffered a significant setback, with Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng revealing that a “security set up” within the state hindered the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from applying travel restrictions to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta departed Ghana on January 2, 2025, amidst investigations into five major financial cases, including the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) revenue assurance contract.
The OSP has declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive and secured an Interpol Red Notice for “Using Public Office for Profit,” but extradition efforts from the US are stalled due to procedural friction between the OSP and the Attorney General’s Department. The OSP alleges Ofori-Atta’s involvement in a “masterful and mischievously crafted scheme” that caused significant financial loss to the state.
Ofori-Atta’s defense challenges the fugitive declaration, citing medical necessity and international legal protection. His representatives argue that compelling his repatriation would violate international norms.
The case highlights Ghana’s struggle with elite corruption and institutional weaknesses, with analysts warning that failure to prosecute Ofori-Atta could undermine public trust in governance and increase perceived operational risk for foreign investors.
