By Lawrence Odoom
Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has initiated a lawsuit against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and its head, Kissi Agyebeng, contesting the OSP’s declaration of him as a wanted person, which he alleges was unlawful and infringed upon his fundamental human rights.
The lawsuit, filed on March 13, 2025, at the Accra High Court, seeks compensation and a declaration that the OSP’s actions were unjustified. The OSP had declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice on February 12, 2025, citing his failure to honor invitations for questioning in relation to ongoing corruption investigations.
However, Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers argue that the declaration was arbitrary, capricious, and unfair, as their client was grappling with serious health challenges, including preparations for a major medical procedure, which were formally communicated to the OSP prior to the declaration.
Despite the OSP removing Mr. Ofori-Atta’s name from the wanted list on February 18, 2025, following assurances of his return to Ghana, his legal representatives are dissatisfied, contending that the initial declaration has caused irreparable reputational harm and stress, particularly as his details reportedly remain on the OSP’s website as a wanted person.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is seeking a court ruling that the Special Prosecutor’s conduct breached his rights to dignity, fair treatment, and administrative justice, as well as compensation for the damages caused by the OSP’s announcement. The case is expected to test the limits of the Special Prosecutor’s authority in publicly labeling individuals as fugitives, especially in the face of ongoing health issues.
