The Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, has thrown his full support behind the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) move to escalate efforts to arrest former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, insisting the era of impunity for political elites is over.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Tuesday, June 3, Sukparu welcomed the OSP’s latest decision to trigger an INTERPOL Red Notice against Mr. Ofori-Atta, who has been declared a wanted person for failing to honour multiple summons.
“This is a different era—we now have a president who thinks about the country,” Sukparu said, taking a swipe at the previous administration. “I support the call from the Special Prosecutor. They should utilise all available means to ensure he is brought back. It will serve as a notice to government officials.”
Ken Ofori-Atta has been officially added to INTERPOL’s Red Notice list at the request of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), escalating efforts to compel his return to Ghana as corruption investigations against him intensify.
According to INTERPOL, he is wanted on the charge of “Using Public Office for Profit.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Sukparu has blamed former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for enabling what he described as a culture of arrogance and impunity under Ofori-Atta’s tenure.
“Nana Addo pampered Ken Ofori-Atta to the extent that he became a spoiled child. He thinks that when you mention Ghana, the country belongs to Nana Addo. He has forgotten that Nana Addo is no longer the president,” the MP said.
Key Issues Under Investigation
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance
– Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). - Electricity Company Contract Termination
– Termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC). - National Cathedral Project
– Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral. - Ambulance Procurement
– A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances. - GRA Tax P-Fund Management
– Handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.
Timeline of Events
- January 2025
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officially notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and requested his appearance on 10 February 2025. - 31 January 2025
His lawyers informed the OSP that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him in his absence. - 5 February 2025
The OSP rejected the claim of indefinite absence and demanded a firm return date by 10 February 2025, warning of legal consequences. It also reminded that legal representatives cannot respond to criminal charges on behalf of clients. - 10 February 2025
His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note (not addressed to any specific party), indicating he was undergoing tests and possibly surgery, with no clear return date. - 12 February 2025
With no further cooperation, the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice, acting on an arrest warrant. - 18 February 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta appealed to the OSP for removal from the ‘Wanted List’ and, for the first time, provided a definite return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted this assurance and removed his name from the list.
Legal Challenge
- March 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he described as an unlawful declaration of him as wanted. He also requested the removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms. - 28 March 2025
The Human Rights Court heard an interim application from Mr. Ofori-Atta, asking the court to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted again.
Source: Citinewsroom