The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has re-declared former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, a wanted person and a fugitive from justice. This action followed Mr. Ofori-Atta's failure to appear before the OSP for an investigative interview scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, concerning suspected corruption and corruption-related offences. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng announced that processes for an Interpol red notice and extradition have been initiated to compel Mr. Ofori-Atta's return to Ghana.

At a press briefing on June 2, 2025, Mr. Agyebeng detailed months of unsuccessful attempts to secure Mr. Ofori-Atta's personal attendance. He stated that the OSP's patience had run out due to what he described as repeated delays and non-compliance. The OSP rejected a request from Mr. Ofori-Atta's legal team for him to appear virtually, with Mr. Agyebeng asserting, "We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations and the methods suitable to him and his convenience." He further accused the former minister of acting in bad faith, particularly after his lawyers informed the OSP on May 28, 2025, of a cancer diagnosis and a scheduled surgery for June 13, 2025, offering a video-recorded interview and a biopsy report viewing. The OSP declined these offers, deeming the biopsy report viewing a "pointless exercise" as it wouldn't prove an inability to travel.

The Special Prosecutor highlighted that Mr. Ofori-Atta had not provided any substantive medical report since January 24, 2025, to demonstrate he was a travel risk. Mr. Agyebeng also criticized Mr. Ofori-Atta for not promptly informing the OSP when a previously indicated surgical intervention, supposedly planned for March 20/21, 2025, did not occur. "Mr. Ofori-Atta has known, at least since 21 March 2025, that no surgical procedure was to be performed on him in March. Yet, he purposively sat by indolently and chose not to inform the OSP of such fundamental changes in his circumstances," Mr. Agyebeng stated. He questioned if Mr. Ofori-Atta expected special treatment, noting, "Even a former president showed up when invited... much less a former finance minister."

The timeline of events began on January 24, 2025, when Mr. Ofori-Atta was first notified of the investigation and directed to appear on February 10, 2025. His lawyers responded on January 31, stating he was out of the country indefinitely for medical reasons. After he failed to provide a reasonable return date by the February 10 deadline, submitting only a letter about a possible March surgery, the OSP declared him a wanted person on February 12, 2025. On February 18, 2025, his lawyers indicated a possible surgery on March 20/21 and a return to Ghana between May 14 and 30, 2025. The OSP acceded, removed him from the wanted list, and rescheduled his appearance for June 2, 2025. However, his failure to appear on this date, coupled with the May 28 communication about a new surgery, led to the OSP re-declaring him wanted.

Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation for five major issues during his tenure: the contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for revenue assurance; procurement procedures and financial transactions linked to the National Cathedral project; a Ministry of Health contract for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited; the termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC); and the handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.

Amidst these developments, Mr. Ofori-Atta had previously filed a human rights claim against the OSP. The Human Rights Court in Accra is expected to rule on June 18, 2025, on a motion by Mr. Ofori-Atta seeking to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted again. Separately, Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hassan Tampuli, suggested that the OSP should consider leveraging digital platforms to engage Mr. Ofori-Atta virtually. The investigations into Mr. Ofori-Atta occur against a backdrop of criticism regarding his handling of Ghana's economy, which included negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $3 billion loan and debt restructuring efforts.

The Special Prosecutor emphasized the OSP's resolve, stating, "No person, regardless of title, status, or medical condition, is beyond the reach of inquiry by the OSP. We will take all necessary legal steps to ensure he is brought back to face justice." Criminal charges are expected to be filed against Mr. Ofori-Atta in due course, whether in absentia or otherwise.