OSP has given Ofori-Atta fair treatment – Edudzi Tameklo
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has defended the actions of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) against former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta who is under investigations by the OSP in some high-profile corruption cases. His comments come after the OSP issued a firm ultimatum to Ken Ofori-Atta, demanding his appearance for questioning in relation to five high-profile corruption investigations.
The OSP has set June 2, 2025, as the mandatory date for Mr. Ofori-Atta to appear in person or face redeclaration as a wanted person. Speaking in an interview on TV3’s New Day, March 17, 2025, the private legal practitioner argued that the OSP’s treatment towards Ofori-Atta has been fair so far.
He asserted that with reference to the law, nothing has been done which is not in conformity with the rule of law. Edudzi Tamkelo insisted that many people were unfairly treated in relation to legal matters under the erstwhile Akufo-Addo administration contrary to the OSP’s actions against Ofori-Atta.
“Whatever it is, where for instance you have not been pronounced guilty but only to permit investigations to go on, the truth is that the treatment so far is fair.
“The things that happened under Nana Addo-Danquah Akufo-Addo you have no idea. By that time, we were told it is the rule of law that is working, has anything been done contrary to the dictates of the law now? Has anything been done today that do not conform to the process of due process now?
“I still think that let’s permit the OSP to do whatever he wants to do,” he said on The Big Issue.
Background of the Case
Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as Ghana’s Finance Minister for the most part of the Akufo-Addo administration, has been embroiled in a series of corruption and financial misconduct allegations that have sparked widespread public and political debate.
These allegations include accusations of misappropriation of public funds, abuse of office, and complicity in corrupt procurement practices during his tenure.
The OSP, mandated to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption and corruption-related offenses, identified Mr. Ofori-Atta as the prime suspect in at least five ongoing corruption cases.
Following initial investigations, the OSP declared him a wanted person, alleging that he had evaded attempts to secure his cooperation with investigators. However, Mr. Ofori-Atta formally wrote to the OSP, requesting the removal of his name from its wanted list, while assuring the office that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date. Acting in good faith, the OSP agreed to this request and temporarily removed him from its list of wanted persons. Yet, the unfolding legal drama has taken a new twist following Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawsuit challenging the OSP’s initial decision to label him a fugitive. This move has provoked a sharp response from the OSP, which insists that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s compliance is conditional upon his physical appearance before investigators on the agreed date.
By: Raphael Ghartey
