In a shocking turn of events, Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been declared a fugitive by prosecutors over his alleged involvement in multiple corruption cases during his tenure in government. The announcement has sent ripples through the Ghanaian political landscape, leaving many stunned by the gravity of the accusations leveled against the once-prominent official.
Ofori-Atta, who held the position of finance minister from January 2017 to February 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, is facing allegations of causing significant financial losses to the state. One of the most notable cases involves the construction of a national cathedral, where a reported $58 million of government funds were purportedly expended with little progress to show for it.
Despite the mounting allegations, Ofori-Atta has chosen to remain silent on the matter, fueling speculation and controversy surrounding his sudden departure from Ghana to evade investigations. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng has vowed to pursue all necessary measures to bring Ofori-Atta back to face justice, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against him.
During a press conference, Agyabeng revealed that Ofori-Atta, aged 66, failed to honor a scheduled interview with the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), despite being duly notified of his status as a suspect in ongoing corruption probes. The prosecutor minced no words in declaring Ofori-Atta a “wanted person” and a “fugitive from justice,” painting a grim picture of the former minister’s current legal predicament.
The unfolding scandal has cast a shadow over Ghana’s political landscape, with President John Mahama taking decisive action to address the pervasive issue of corruption within the government. Following his inauguration in January, Mahama established an investigative committee named Operation Recover All Loot, tasked with probing over 200 complaints of corruption involving recoverable funds exceeding $20 billion.
In a bold stance against corruption, Mahama directed the attorney general and minister of justice to launch thorough investigations into the allegations, underscoring his administration’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public office. The president’s resolute stand against malfeasance signals a new era in Ghanaian governance, with a clear message that corruption will no longer be tolerated in the country.
However, amidst the fervor of anti-corruption efforts, some critics have raised concerns over the perceived leniency shown towards Mahama’s former allies who are currently facing legal proceedings. The discontinuation of cases against individuals connected to the previous administration has sparked debate and calls for a more impartial approach to justice, highlighting the delicate balance between accountability and political affiliations.
As the saga unfolds, the fate of Ken Ofori-Atta hangs in the balance, with the specter of justice looming large over his absence. The allegations of corruption
