Accra, Ghana – The High Court’s Criminal Division has dismissed an application filed by Kenneth Ofori-Atta, former Finance Minister, seeking to quash an arrest warrant issued by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The warrant was issued over allegations of using public office for private profit.
The court’s ruling means the OSP can continue its efforts to apprehend Ofori-Atta, who has been declared wanted. The OSP had accused Ofori-Atta of failing to respond to invitations for questioning related to corruption investigations during his tenure as Finance Minister.
Details of the Ruling
The court, presided over by Mr. Justice Kwame Amoako, ruled that Ofori-Atta’s application lacked merit and failed to meet requirements. The judge awarded a cost of GH¢5,000 against the former Minister.
The OSP had obtained a warrant for Ofori-Atta’s arrest, citing his alleged involvement in corruption-related activities. An Interpol Red Notice was subsequently issued, enabling international police cooperation to locate and provisionally arrest Ofori-Atta pending extradition.
Background
Ofori-Atta’s lawyers had argued that the OSP unlawfully obtained the warrant and that their client was not deliberately avoiding the OSP. However, the OSP maintained that Ofori-Atta’s physical appearance was necessary for questioning.
The case has sparked controversy, with Ofori-Atta’s legal team claiming that the OSP’s actions breached his rights to dignity, fair treatment, and administrative justice. The OSP has clarified that Ofori-Atta cannot be tried in absentia unless he is first arrested and formally charged under Ghanaian law .