Accra: The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has publicly defended its approach in handling the ongoing investigation involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The OSP emphasized that it has conducted its actions with fairness, particularly in declaring Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted for failing to respond to their invitations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Samuel Appiah Darko, Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the OSP, addressed accusations of unfair treatment during a discussion on a television program based in Accra. He clarified that Mr. Ofori-Atta was given ample opportunity to communicate his circumstances and respond to the OSP's requests.
Mr. Darko argued that fairness was maintained by allowing Mr. Ofori-Atta the chance to justify why he could not attend to the OSP's requests, whether due to medical reasons or scheduling conflicts. He stated that the OSP was willing to accommodate any valid reasons provided by the former minister, including his inability to travel due to health issues.
The OSP's declaration of Mr. Ofori-Atta as wanted was a decision made after careful consideration and due process, Mr. Darko insisted. He reiterated the OSP's commitment to transparency and adherence to legal procedures, emphasizing that no individual, regardless of status, is above the law.
Contrarily, Mr. Frank Davies, Chairman of the Constitutional and Legal Committee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), criticized the OSP's actions, suggesting that they painted a negative image of the office. He highlighted that Mr. Ofori-Atta had communicated his medical condition through his legal representatives, and the OSP's dismissal of this communication was problematic.
Mr. Davies questioned the OSP's refusal to accept the medical letter as proof of Mr. Ofori-Atta's inability to travel, suggesting that if the OSP had doubts about the letter's authenticity, it should have requested a detailed medical report.
The OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice as part of an investigation into alleged corruption-related offenses. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng elaborated on the ongoing investigations, which involve contractual agreements and activities related to various projects, including the National Cathedral project and procurement contracts for the National Ambulance Service.
