How come Ofori-Atta has refused to return?- Majority Leader asks Minority Leader


Parliament Questions Former Finance Minister’s Absence Amid Corruption Charges

The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has questioned the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, on why former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has yet to return to Ghana from the United States.


Ayariga noted that Ofori-Atta was unwell while serving as Finance Minister and remained in Ghana before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lost the 2024 general elections. However, shortly after the elections, he reportedly traveled to the US for medical treatment.

Speaking in Parliament on Friday, November 21, Ayariga asked, “Ken Ofori-Atta was sick when he was Finance Minister; we all saw it, and he stayed in Ghana. How come today, he has refused to return when he’s being sought after by the law enforcement agencies?”

In response, Afenyo-Markin defended Ofori-Atta, stating, “Mr. Ofori-Atta has been transparent about his medical condition. Everyone may face health issues at some point. It is misleading to suggest that he has refused to return to Ghana.”

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has charged Ofori-Atta and seven others with various corruption-related offences. According to the OSP, the accused in Republic v Kenneth Ofori-Atta and 7 Others will face court on Monday, November 24.

The OSP also indicated it will seek the necessary court orders to serve the charge sheets on any accused individuals currently outside the country.

On Tuesday, November 18, the OSP formally charged former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and seven others with a total of 78 counts of corruption and related offences. The co-accused include:

  • Ernest Darko Akore, former Chef de Cabinet to the Finance Minister

  • Emmanuel Kofi Nti, former Commissioner-General of the GRA

  • Rev. Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, former Commissioner-General of the GRA

  • Isaac Crentsil, former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA and General Manager of Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML)

  • Kwadwo Damoah, former Commissioner of the Customs Division of the GRA and Member of Parliament for Jaman South

  • Evans Adusei

  • Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML)

Ofori-Atta will be tried in absentia as he has not returned from the US.

The OSP had previously announced its intention to press charges against Ofori-Atta and the others by the end of November 2025, following an extensive investigation into alleged corruption and related offences.

At a press briefing on Thursday, October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng revealed that the probe uncovered significant financial irregularities involving top officials of the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), and individuals associated with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).

Agyebeng stated that the OSP would also pursue the recovery of financial losses incurred by the state as a result of these alleged actions. “As part of this process, the OSP will seek to recover the financial loss caused to the Republic from the persons listed above,” he said.

Additionally, the OSP disclosed that it would recover GH₵125 million from Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, representing unjust enrichment obtained at the expense of the Republic. “The OSP will recover GH₵125 million from SML through the disgorgement of unjust enrichment gained unfairly at the Republic’s expense,” Agyebeng added.




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