Prosecute Ofori-Atta in absentia if you have evidence — Ahiagbah tells OSP
NPP Communications Director says legal process should proceed regardless of former minister’s absence
By Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada | June 17, 2026
The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has challenged the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to prosecute former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in absentia if it possesses sufficient evidence to support its case.
Ahiagbah’s comments come amid the ongoing standoff between the OSP and Ofori-Atta, who has been declared wanted in connection with investigations into several high-profile matters. The former minister has maintained that he is outside Ghana for medical reasons and has questioned aspects of the process being pursued against him.
Speaking on the matter, Ahiagbah argued that if the Special Prosecutor genuinely believes it has a strong case, it should proceed through the courts rather than relying on public declarations and media engagements.
According to him, the rule of law requires that allegations be tested before an independent court, where evidence can be examined and a determination made based on facts and legal arguments.
“If there is evidence against him, prosecute him in absentia,” Ahiagbah reportedly stated, insisting that the legal system provides avenues for pursuing justice even when a suspect is not physically present within the jurisdiction.
Debate Over OSP’s Approach
The comments add to an increasingly heated debate surrounding the OSP’s handling of the case involving the former Finance Minister.
Supporters of the OSP argue that the office is acting within its mandate to investigate alleged corruption and corruption-related offences. They maintain that public officials, regardless of status, must be held accountable under the law.
Critics, however, have questioned certain aspects of the process, including the public communication strategy employed during the investigation.
The disagreement has generated significant political interest, with members of both the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition NPP weighing in on the matter.
Ofori-Atta Remains Under Investigation
Ken Ofori-Atta has been linked to investigations involving a number of government transactions and projects that have attracted public scrutiny.
The OSP has repeatedly called on the former minister to make himself available for questioning as part of its ongoing inquiries.
Lawyers for Ofori-Atta have previously indicated that their client remains willing to cooperate with lawful investigations but have cited health-related concerns and medical treatment abroad as factors affecting his availability.
Calls for Due Process
Legal experts say the dispute highlights broader questions about accountability, due process, and the powers of anti-corruption institutions in Ghana.
While Ghanaian law provides mechanisms for criminal proceedings under certain circumstances when an accused person is absent, courts generally prefer suspects to be present to ensure fairness and allow them to fully participate in their defence.
Observers note that the ultimate outcome will likely depend on decisions taken by prosecutors and the courts rather than political commentary.
For now, the case continues to attract national attention as Ghanaians await the next steps from both the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the former Finance Minister’s legal team.
