Martin Kpebu Urges OSP to Charge Ken Ofori-Atta Despite U.S. Medical Stay
Legal expert Martin Kpebu says the Special Prosecutor must proceed with charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, even as he receives treatment in the U.S., warning delays could harm accountability.
Accra, Ghana – Prominent private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to file criminal charges against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, regardless of his ongoing medical treatment in the United States.
Appearing on TV3’s The Key Points, Kpebu warned that delaying action due to Ofori-Atta’s absence could hinder Ghana’s accountability efforts. The former minister is currently reported to be receiving cancer treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S.
“The OSP can head to court with charge and caution statements. Even if he’s in the U.S., there’s no guarantee he’ll return,” Kpebu said.
Remote Options Available—Even Offered
Kpebu emphasized that Ghanaian authorities are not without legal tools. He pointed out that the OSP could either travel to the U.S. to take a statement or conduct a video interrogation, a method reportedly offered by Ofori-Atta himself but not yet accepted.
“If Ofori-Atta says he won’t speak, it doesn’t stop the OSP from going to court,” Kpebu stressed.
Academics Call for State Tracking, Intelligence Involvement
Panelists Prof. Ransford Gyampo and Dr. Joshua Zaato echoed Kpebu’s concerns. Gyampo questioned whether the OSP has verified Ofori-Atta’s current location at Mayo Clinic, while Dr. Zaato called for National Security and intelligence agencies to track his movement using passport records.
“Can the intelligence services track where he is? If you don’t know, track the passport,” Dr. Zaato advised.
Wife: “He’s Not Hiding From Accountability”
In response to the escalating tension, Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of the former minister, rejected claims that her husband is evading justice.
“This is not a Ken who runs away from accountability,” she told Joy FM.
“He has proposed video conferencing and offered to let his lawyers assist. So I don’t understand what’s going on.”
She highlighted her husband’s past willingness to engage with oversight bodies like CHRAJ, insisting that the family is simply prioritizing his health amid a cancer battle.
OSP’s “Big Five” Investigations Into Ofori-Atta
The Office of the Special Prosecutor is reportedly investigating Mr. Ofori-Atta in five major cases, including:
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Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and GRA contract
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ECG Termination Contract: Issues involving Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology
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National Cathedral: Procurement and financial irregularities
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Ambulance Procurement: Service Ghana Auto Group-related contract
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GRA Tax P-Fund: Alleged mismanagement and disbursement failures
OSP: Illness Isn’t a Free Pass
Speaking at a June 2 press briefing, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta’s failure to appear was unacceptable, and insisted that illness does not excuse accountability unless a certified medical report declares full incapacitation.
Public and Legal Pressure Mounts
With rising public interest and mounting legal debate, the stalemate between Ofori-Atta’s legal team and the OSP is drawing national attention. The question now is whether Ghana’s justice system will adjust for medical recovery—or move forward regardless.
