Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has taken legal action against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP)after being declared wanted over alleged corruption and financial misconduct.
Ofori-Atta, through his legal representatives, has filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to prevent the OSP from reissuing the declaration, which he describes as baseless and unjustified.
The OSP had earlier this year labeled Ofori-Atta a “fugitive from justice,” a claim he strongly denies, insisting that he has fully cooperated with the investigation.
Legal Grounds for the Lawsuit
In his suit, Ofori-Atta argues that the OSP’s actions have severely damaged his reputation and personal life. He is therefore asking the court to:
- Declare that the OSP has no statutory power to declare a person ‘wanted’ or a ‘fugitive from justice’ through media briefings.
- Rule that only the police, with court approval, have the authority to declare someone wanted.
- Affirm that the OSP must operate within the limits set by the Constitution and relevant laws when exercising its discretionary power.
- Determine that the OSP’s declaration violates his constitutional rights to personal liberty and free movement.
- Acknowledge that Ghana is bound by international human rights treaties, which prohibit such actions against him.
The Bigger Picture
The lawsuit intensifies the legal and political tension surrounding the corruption allegations against Ofori-Atta. If the court rules in his favor, it could set a precedent limiting the OSP’s authority in handling high-profile corruption cases.
For now, all eyes remain on the judiciary as the case unfolds, with implications for both Ofori-Atta’s reputation and the OSP’s mandate in tackling corruption in Ghana.