Ghana Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Declared a Wanted Fugitive in Multiple Corruption Cases – OSP

In Ghana, corruption allegations have recently ensnared prominent political figures, sparking public outrage and intensifying scrutiny of governmental accountability. These cases involve accusations of embezzlement, illicit financial activities, and abuse of public office.

Ken Ofori-Atta
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person in connection with four high-profile corruption investigations, including those related to the National Cathedral project and Strategic Mobilization Limited (SML). Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has stated that Ofori-Atta must return to Ghana immediately for questioning, warning of measures to compel his return if he fails to cooperate. Agyebeng also dismissed claims that Ofori-Atta had left the country for medical treatment and refuted reports of an OSP raid on Ofori-Atta’s residence, alleging instead that the former minister staged the raid to mislead the public and discredit the OSP’s investigations. Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner and anti-corruption campaigner, has called for Ofori-Atta’s immediate prosecution for allegedly causing financial loss to the state in the SML deal.

Cecilia Abena Dapaah
In July 2023, a corruption scandal involving Cecilia Dapaah, the former Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, came to light after two of her domestic workers were arrested for stealing large sums of money, including $1 million, €300,000, and millions of Ghanaian cedis, from her residence in Accra. Investigations by the OSP revealed additional suspicious financial activity, including $5 million and GH¢48 million across Dapaah’s bank accounts. The FBI is also probing Dapaah’s financial transactions and assets within the U.S. The OSP has frozen Dapaah’s bank accounts, suspecting the funds to be tainted, and has accused her of failing to declare her property and income.

Charles Adu Boahen
President Nana Akufo-Addo dismissed Charles Adu Boahen, the junior finance minister, over corruption allegations made in an investigative documentary on illegal gold mining. The documentary, “Galamsey Economy,” allegedly showed Boahen demanding $200,000 from potential investors to give to the vice president in exchange for business favors.