Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been declared a fugitive and accused of corruption by the country’s special prosecutor.
Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, warned Ofori-Atta to either return voluntarily or face forced return, accusing him of causing financial loss to the state through major government transactions.
Ofori-Atta, who served under former president Nana Akufo-Addo, is accused of approving significant state funds for the construction of the National Cathedral in Accra.
The project, envisioned as a tribute to God after Akufo-Addo’s 2016 election win, was initially meant to be privately funded.
However, controversy erupted after claims that $58 million in public funds were used, along with allegations of financial mismanagement.
Additionally, Ofori-Atta faces accusations of authorizing $11.8 million in disbursements at the request of the presidential chief of staff.
Despite these payments, the cathedral’s construction has been stalled for two years, and critics see it as a symbol of fiscal irresponsibility.
Ofori-Atta has been criticized for failing to exercise proper oversight and due diligence in approving these payments.
The former minister is also involved in a disputed contract between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). Under Ofori-Atta’s tenure, the GRA allegedly paid over $83 million to SML in 2019 without the necessary approval from the Public Procurement Authority.
The payments, made for audit and verification services, have raised concerns about transparency and value for money.
Anti-corruption groups, including the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), have long pushed for Ofori-Atta’s prosecution, with some filing lawsuits against him, the GRA, and SML.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor is now leading the investigation and taking legal action against the former minister. Agyebeng noted that Ofori-Atta has shown no intention of voluntarily returning to Ghana.
Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts remain unknown, and the new government under President John Mahama has pledged to take a hard stance on corruption, targeting former officials involved in corrupt practices.
The government has already received over 2,000 complaints under its “Operation Recover All Loot” initiative, aimed at recovering state assets misappropriated by former Akufo-Addo officials.
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