Allowing Ofori-Atta to leave demonstrates extreme incompetence – Martin Kpebu to OSP

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticised the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), accusing Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng of mishandling the extradition proceedings involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, October 20, 2025, which was followed closely by Today.com.gh, Mr. Kpebu argued that the OSP acted incompetently by allowing Mr. Ofori-Atta to leave Ghana while under investigation.

According to Mr. Kpebu, there were clear signs that former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Mr. Ofori-Atta were involved in corrupt practices and owed the public accountability. He stated that the Special Prosecutor’s failure to act decisively contributed significantly to the prolonged delays in addressing the case.

“The fact that Kissi allowed Ofori-Atta to travel freely is at the root of this problem. Corruption was visible to everyone; borrowing continued while Akufo-Addo and Ofori-Atta benefited personally. Allowing him to leave demonstrates extreme incompetence,” Mr. Kpebu said.

He further argued that after the 2024 elections, the OSP should have promptly investigated and, where necessary, arrested ruling party appointees suspected of corruption. Mr. Kpebu also highlighted that it was widely known that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s company, Data Bank, profited from government borrowing, making scrutiny inevitable.

In January 2025, the OSP officially identified Ken Ofori-Atta as a suspect in several corruption-related investigations. These included alleged irregularities in contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML), expenditures associated with the National Cathedral project, and issues related to health and tax refund operations.

Despite being declared a “fugitive from justice” in February 2025, Mr. Ofori-Atta has neither been arrested in the United States nor returned voluntarily. Reports suggest that the OSP has not fully coordinated with the Attorney-General’s Department to secure his extradition, raising further concerns about the handling of the case.

Mr. Kpebu stressed that the perceived inaction of the Special Prosecutor undermines public confidence in anti-corruption initiatives and called for immediate accountability to restore credibility to the office.