Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently at the center of a high-profile corruption investigation by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), which has led to an Interpol Red Notice and ongoing efforts for his extradition. Despite these developments, conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the pace of the legal process, alleged internal rifts between state institutions, and Mr. Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts.

Sammy Darko, the Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the OSP, has vehemently dismissed claims of a rift between the OSP and the Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice (AG) concerning the extradition process. He clarified that there is “no bad blood” or “contention over the case docket” between the two bodies. Instead, he attributed the delay to timing, explaining that the OSP is finalizing investigations into several cases involving Mr. Ofori-Atta and preparing to transmit the necessary documents to the AG.

Darko indicated that the OSP is close to completing its work and intends to file additional charges. The Special Prosecutor is expected to submit the required information to the AG this week to facilitate the next steps in the extradition.

However, this position contrasts with statements from the Deputy Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, who disclosed that the AG’s office has not yet received a docket from the OSP despite making several written requests over the past two months. Srem-Sai emphasized that the AG’s office is the sole authority empowered to make extradition requests but requires a complete investigative docket to approach foreign authorities, akin to presenting a full case file in court. Without this docket, the AG’s office maintains that it cannot formally initiate the extradition process with authorities in the United States of America, where Mr. Ofori-Atta is believed to be.

The OSP had earlier identified Mr. Ofori-Atta as a suspect in January 2025 and requested his attendance for questioning. Following his failure to specify a return date, citing medical reasons abroad, the OSP declared him wanted and secured an Interpol Red Notice to aid his arrest for alleged corruption and corruption-related offenses. These investigations reportedly involve five major transactions:

• The National Cathedral project,

• The GRA-SML contract,

• The termination of the ECG–Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC) agreement,

• The ambulance spare parts contract, and

• Payments from the GRA’s Tax Refund Account.

Amid these developments, private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu suggested that the OSP should initiate a trial in absentia if Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to return. However, Sammy Darko rejected this proposition, explaining that under Ghana’s legal framework, a trial in absentia is only permissible after a suspect has been formally charged and has appeared in court before subsequently absconding. Darko stressed that if a valid trial in absentia were possible without the accused’s appearance, the OSP would not be pursuing extradition efforts, as the court system still requires service of process and attendance.

Meanwhile, Frank Davies, lawyer for Ken Ofori-Atta, has strongly refuted claims that his client is on the run or evading justice. Davies insisted that Mr. Ofori-Atta is “doing well” and has made himself available through “legitimate legal means” and appropriate channels. He clarified that his client is currently recuperating abroad after undergoing surgery and is unable to travel due to his health condition but will return to Ghana once he is fully fit. Davies also highlighted Mr. Ofori-Atta’s reliance on his faith as the legal processes unfold.

Sammy Darko also raised concerns about what he described as a “partial leakage of information,” warning that such leaks could jeopardize ongoing investigations, put OSP officers at risk, and create unnecessary perceptions of political interference. He emphasized that the leak could not have originated from the OSP, reaffirming the office’s commitment to protecting its officers and diligently pursuing the case.