Ofori Atta ‘Fugitive’ Tag: ‘Suspecting Someone Doesn’t Make Him Guilty’ – Nana Akomea Replies OSP
Nana Akomea has advised the Office of Special Prosecutor to abide by the laws in the delivery of their service.
The former STC Chief Executive raised concerns over how the Special Prosecutor is handling a case involving the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.
Wanted Fugitive
Kissi Agyebeng, the Special Prosecutor, has declared the former Finance Minister a “wanted fugitive” citing him for corruption.
Ken Ofori-Atta is needed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to assist in investigations into some corruption-related cases including the controversial deal between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) as well as his involvement in the alleged spending of $58 million of taxpayers’ money in the construction of the National Cathedral which currently remains a hole.
Responding to the OSP’s letter of summon, Ofori-Atta through his lawyers sent a letter stating he is receiving medical attention in the USA.
The lawyers further revealed the clinic he is in and indicated he will make himself available when he returns but the Special Prosecutor doubts Ofori-Atta’s statement.
“The OSP declares Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori Atta a wanted fugitive. Mr Ofori Atta, you have two choices, you can return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or face the consequences”, “he is a fugitive from justice”, Mr. Agyebeng said at a press conference.
He insisted Ofori-Atta must return with immediate effect, warning “you can either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP will enforce your return”.
Nana Akomea’s Reply
Nana Akomea, speaking on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” morning show, wondered why the SP would declare the former Minister a fugitive when the latter is not on the run.
This, he said, regarding Ofori-Atta’s letter which indicated his whereabouts and a fact that he left Ghana before the Special Prosecutor made him a subject of interest in his investigations.
Nana Akomea also stated that having suspicions about a person doesn’t make him or her guilty, hence finds it difficult understanding Kissi Agyebeng’s logic.
Furthermore, he stated, if Mr. Agyebeng believes he has concrete evidence against Ken Ofori-Atta, he can proceed to court for prosecution but in this case he has charged the former Minister with any offence but rather wants him to appear for interrogation, so why the rush to label him a wanted fugitive.
He admonished the OSP not to abuse his mandate but act within the remit of the laws.
“To suspect someone is involved in a wrongdoing is not wrong. It’s a suspicion and that you want to listen to his side of the story is also a step in the right direction but it doesn’t mean the person is guilty because you suspect him or her”, he remarked.
Source: Ghmessenger.com
