OSP was ‘powerless’ at the time Ken Ofori-Atta left Ghana – Kissi Agyebeng

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has revealed that his office was effectively powerless under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, particularly when attempts were made to prevent former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from leaving the country after the 2024 elections.

He made the disclosure while speaking on The KSM Show, which was keenly followed by this portal.

He noted that institutional constraints hindered the enforcement of travel restrictions at the time.

“We didn’t watch him leave; we were powerless, that is the truth. We saw him leave, but we couldn’t prevent him from leaving the airport,” Mr. Agyebeng said.

He explained that although the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) was aware of Ofori-Atta’s departure, it lacked operational backing to stop him, as relevant agencies failed to cooperate.

“Now we can rely on the Ghana Immigration Service to block someone, but at the time he left, you call up Immigration, no one will bother to respond to you,” he added.

Mr. Agyebeng further noted that the situation has since improved under the current government, with security agencies now working closely with his office in the fight against corruption.

The case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has become one of Ghana’s most high-profile accountability battles. The OSP is investigating him over alleged financial misconduct linked to high-value contracts and public fund management, including the controversial revenue-assurance agreement with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and issues surrounding the National Cathedral project.

The investigation also covers procurement matters related to the Electricity Company of Ghana. Despite multiple summonses, Ofori-Atta reportedly failed to appear before investigators, prompting the OSP to declare him a fugitive and secure an INTERPOL Red Notice. His legal team has raised procedural and health-related concerns, highlighting the legal tension surrounding the case. He is currently in the United States of America.