Were You Afraid To Pursue Ofori-Atta Under Akufo-Addo? – CENS Africa Boss Queries SP
Clement Abaidoo, Executive Director of the Center for Environment, Natural Resources and Sustainability (CENS) Africa, has questioned the Office of Special Prosector’s declaration of former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a “wanted fugitive”.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has expressed scepticism regarding the health status of Ken Ofori-Atta who issued a letter indicating he is unwell and receiving medical attention in the USA.
According to the Special Prosecutor who has cited Ofori-Atta in multiple corruption cases, “the purported medical letter transmitted through his lawyers to the OSP does not establish or demonstrate that he is incapable of returning”, therefore, “the OSP remains unconvinced that the letter constitutes a valid medical report proving that Mr Ofori-Atta is so ill or physically incapacitated that returning to Ghana would imperil his life”.
“No serious law enforcement agency, and certainly not the OSP, will be convinced that the purported medical letter prevents it from demanding Mr Ofori-Atta’s physical appearance before it under the described circumstances”, he added.
Fugitive
The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng says the former Minister must appear to assist investigations into the cases which involve the construction of the National Cathedral and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) – Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML) deal.
Regarding his unavailability, 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 emphasized at a press conference.
He insisted that the former Minister must immediately return to Ghana or he will be compelled to come home.
Ofori-Atta left Ghana in early January and had no intention of “willingly” returning, Agyabeng said, stressing “you can either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP will enforce your return”.
CENS Boss’ Reply
Speaking on Peace FM’s “Kokrokoo” panel discussion show, Clement Abaidoo sought to understand why the Special Prosecutor failed to pursue Ofori-Atta under the Akufo-Addo regime.
Some critics believe Mr. Agyebeng declaring Ofori-Atta as a wanted fugitive is aimed at disgracing the former Minister.
They wonder how one becomes a fugitive or wanted when the person has communicated his whereabouts and also revealed his health status for which reason he (Ofori-Atta) is out of Ghana.
Mr. Abaidoo, feeding into these criticisms, cannot also fathom why Mr. Agyebeng had to wait till date before trying to investigate Ken Ofori-Atta in connection with corruption cases that were within his (Special Prosecutor) purview under the Akufo-Addo government.
“When did he notice these issues that he has currently raised? And what steps did he take during such period?…During the time he was appointed by Ex-President Akufo-Addo, what was his authority and what stopped him from pursuing until now? Was he afraid?”
Source: Ghmessenger.com
