Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta cannot honour a directive from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to appear in person today, June 2, due to ill health, his lawyer Frank Davies has said.
Speaking on Joy FM, Mr Davies disclosed that Ofori-Atta is currently receiving medical treatment in the United States and is not fit to travel. He stated that the OSP had been officially informed and supplied with medical documentation.
Mr Davies revealed that the legal team has proposed a virtual interview in compliance with the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772), noting that a formal request for remote engagement was submitted on May 27.
“In this digital era, Ken has expressed readiness to speak with the OSP via video. The law permits that,” he emphasised.
The OSP had warned that failure to appear today could lead to Ofori-Atta being reclassified as a fugitive and prompt steps for an INTERPOL Red Notice.
However, Mr Davies criticized the OSP’s posture, arguing that it disregards his client’s current medical condition. “This situation didn’t arise yesterday. The OSP was aware long before charges were brought. What’s the point in insisting on physical presence when lawful alternatives exist?” he questioned.
Ofori-Atta is under investigation for five cases linked to his tenure under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. These include contracts involving the Ghana Revenue Authority, the ECG-BXC agreement termination, the National Cathedral’s finances, the ambulance procurement deal with Service Ghana Auto Group, and the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.
In February, the OSP declared him wanted after he failed to honour an earlier invitation. He was later delisted after providing a return date. In March, he filed a case at the Human Rights Court contesting the OSP’s decision, with a ruling expected on June 18.
Davies insists the matter is now before the court, and the OSP has been duly notified. “We expect a formal response. This can’t be handled through media commentary,” he said.
Credit: Mynewsgh.com
