The High Court (Criminal Division) has dismissed an application filed by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, challenging the legality of an arrest warrant issued against him by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Delivering the ruling on Wednesday, July 30, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo held that the application was without merit and provided no grounds for the court to intervene.
Mr. Ofori-Atta had argued that the OSP acted unlawfully in securing the arrest warrant, claiming the process violated his constitutional rights and due process. His legal team further sought to have all related proceedings nullified, including an Interpol Red Notice issued in connection with the warrant.
Describing the OSP’s actions as “procedurally flawed,” Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers contended that the issuance of the warrant constituted an abuse of legal process.
However, the OSP’s legal team firmly defended the warrant, asserting it was lawfully obtained and properly executed. They argued that there was no indication of misconduct or overreach and urged the court to dismiss the application.
In her ruling, Justice Osei Marfo agreed with the OSP’s position, concluding that there was no legal justification to invalidate the arrest warrant or associated actions.
“The application is hereby dismissed in its entirety,” she declared, affirming the legitimacy of both the arrest warrant and the accompanying Interpol Red Notice.
The decision clears the way for continued legal proceedings involving the former minister under the mandate of the Special Prosecutor.
