Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Declared Fugitive in Corruption Probe

Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been officially declared a fugitive by the country’s Special Prosecutor over multiple corruption allegations stemming from his tenure in government.

Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyabeng informed the public that Ofori-Atta left Ghana in early January to evade investigations and has refused to cooperate with authorities. “He is a fugitive from justice,” Agyabeng said at a press conference, adding that all necessary steps are being taken to facilitate his return and hold him accountable.

The former minister is accused of causing financial losses to the state, with one of the most controversial cases linked to Ghana’s stalled national cathedral project.

The Ghanaian National Cathedral is a multi-million-dollar project initiated by the government in 2018 under then-President Nana Akufo-Addo. Intended to serve as a national place of worship, the project was envisioned as a symbol of unity and faith, featuring a 5,000-seat auditorium, chapels, a museum, and a Bible-themed garden.

However, the project quickly became mired in controversy due to concerns over its funding, transparency, and necessity. Initially promoted as a privately funded initiative, it was later revealed that public funds—reportedly exceeding $58 million—had been allocated to its construction, raising accusations of financial mismanagement.

Despite an estimated $58 million (£46.6 million) in government spending, the project remains incomplete, with little to show beyond an empty construction site. Critics argue that the funds could have been better spent on pressing national issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, especially as Ghana faced economic challenges.

Ofori-Atta has not responded to the allegations publicly. However, his legal representatives have claimed that he is out of the country for medical treatment. The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had summoned him for questioning, but he failed to appear, prompting authorities to issue a formal “wanted person” notice.

A High-Profile Corruption Scandal

Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s finance minister under former President Nana Akufo-Addo from January 2017 until February 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. During his tenure, he implemented key economic policies, but his time in office was overshadowed by allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption.

His exit from government followed the NPP’s defeat in the December 2024 elections to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The newly elected president, John Mahama, took office in January and quickly launched a sweeping anti-corruption campaign known as Operation Recover All Loot.

This initiative investigates and recovers public funds lost through corruption and mismanagement. According to officials, more than 200 corruption-related complaints have already been filed, with estimated recoverable funds exceeding $20 billion.

Mahama has vowed to make Ghana a hostile environment for corruption, directing the attorney general and justice minister to initiate investigations into all credible allegations. “This country will no longer be a haven for those who loot public resources,” he declared.

Criticism Over Selective Justice

Despite the administration’s strong stance on corruption, critics have accused Mahama of selectively targeting political opponents while sparing his former allies. Some high-profile corruption cases involving figures from Mahama’s previous administration have reportedly been discontinued, raising concerns about impartiality in the government’s anti-corruption drive.