Ghana Issues Wanted Notice for Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta Over Corruption Allegations
Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been declared a wanted fugitive by the country’s Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, who has accused him of corruption and causing significant financial loss to the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, Agyebeng gave Ofori-Atta an ultimatum: return voluntarily or face legal action to enforce his return.
The allegations against Ofori-Atta, who served under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, stem from his involvement in controversial government transactions, particularly the National Cathedral project.
The cathedral, envisioned by Akufo-Addo as a tribute to God following his 2016 election victory, was initially planned to be financed privately.
However, it is alleged that $58 million in public funds were diverted to the project, sparking widespread criticism over its financial management and the apparent lack of oversight.
The former minister is also accused of approving the release of $11.8 million at the request of the presidential chief of staff for the cathedral’s construction, despite the project’s prolonged stagnation over the past two years. Critics argue that the cathedral, which remains unfinished, has become a symbol of fiscal mismanagement under Ofori-Atta’s tenure.
Beyond the cathedral, Ofori-Atta faces further scrutiny for his role in a highly contentious contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML), an auditing and insurance firm specializing in the oil sector. In 2019, under Ofori-Atta’s watch, the GRA allegedly paid over $83 million to SML without the necessary approval from the Public Procurement Authority, raising concerns about transparency and the value for money.
Anti-corruption groups, including the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), have long campaigned for Ofori-Atta’s prosecution, with some even filing lawsuits demanding accountability and the recovery of public funds. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has now taken over the investigation, with Agyebeng confirming that Ofori-Atta has shown no intention of voluntarily returning to Ghana to face charges.
Authorities have not yet disclosed Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts, though there are growing concerns that he may have fled the country.
The government of President John Mahama has pledged a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, emphasizing its commitment to holding former government officials accountable.
As part of its “Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL)” initiative, the administration has already received over 2,000 complaints targeting suspected corrupt practices by officials from the previous Akufo-Addo administration.
This latest development marks a significant escalation in Ghana’s efforts to address high-level corruption, with the public increasingly demanding transparency and accountability from those in power.
