Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has allegedly been sighted in the United States (U.S.), sparking renewed debate over his legal status after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) issued a fugitive warrant against him earlier this year.
The OSP declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive in connection with alleged financial irregularities during his time in office. The warrant formed part of the agency’s wider drive to hold senior officials accountable for the misuse of public resources.
Despite the pending fugitive warrant, reports suggest that Ofori-Atta has been staying in the U.S. for several months. This development has raised questions about how effectively Ghanaian authorities can enforce the order and what progress is being made in the investigation.
So far, the government has not issued an official statement on his reported whereabouts. Meanwhile, legal and political commentators are weighing in on the implications—arguing that the case could test both Ghana’s judicial processes and the country’s resolve to ensure accountability among high-ranking figures.
Reactions from the public remain divided. While some Ghanaians have voiced anger over what they see as an escape from justice, others argue that his overseas presence should not derail ongoing legal proceedings.
As attention around the case grows, it has become a flashpoint in Ghana’s political conversation, underscoring the persistent challenges of prosecuting powerful officials and fueling ongoing debates on governance, transparency, and the rule of law.
The Special Prosecutor’s office has confirmed that Ken Ofori-Atta is under investigation in connection with five major cases:
Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance – Reviewing contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
Electricity Company Contract Termination – Probing the cancellation of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).
National Cathedral Project – Examining procurement practices and financial transactions related to the construction of the National Cathedral.
Ambulance Procurement Scandal – Investigating the Ministry of Health’s contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for 307 ambulances.
GRA Tax P-Fund Management – Assessing the management and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
