Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is no longer wanted by authorities following a decision to withdraw the declaration that had labeled him a fugitive from justice.
This development comes after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) initially issued a wanted notice for Ofori-Atta in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged financial misconduct.
The Special Prosecutor’s charges against Ofori-Atta included involvement in the Strategic Mobilisation-GRA Contract, termination of the ECG-BXC contract, payments related to the National Cathedral, procurement of ambulances, and Utilisation of the Tax Refund Account.
A fresh statement indicated that Mr Ofori-Atta has today communicated to the OSP the date for his voluntary return.
On the back of this, the OSP has removed his name from the wanted list.
“Consequently, Mr. Ofori-Atta has been removed from the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP ceases to consider Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice pending his voluntary return to the jurisdiction circa his stated date,” the statement said.
The OSP added that if Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to voluntarily return to the jurisdiction circa his stated date, and if Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the rescheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall then consider him a fugitive from justice, and the OSP shall take all necessary legal steps to secure his return to the jurisdiction and attendance at the OSP at our own choosing.”
Earlier today, Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin told Parliament that the former Finance Minister is expected to return to Ghana in May 2025 following a medical assessment abroad.
Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori -Atta
He told the house that Mr Ofori-Atta’s lawyers have been in contact with the OSP and have confirmed his scheduled return.
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated February 17, 2025, we respectfully indicate that our client who is much due for his return cannot be any time before six to eight weeks of his possible surgical intervention as stated in the hospital’s letter.”
“Our clients hold that taking into account surgical dates from March 20 to 21, and his recuperation period he should be able to be back into the jurisdiction between May 14 and 30, 2025. We hope you take note of this date and same can guide your office in fixing a day for the in-person of our client to your office,” he stated.Source: Kenneth Awotwe Darko
The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) strongly condemns the vicious and unprovoked attack on Journalists who were performing their duty during the Council of State election at the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Some “macho men” believed to be linked to the ruling party, National Democratic Congress, caused a stir when they stormed the place and disrupted the exercise.
They destroyed all the ballots just when the officials of the Electoral Commission were sorting the ballots.
Four of the journalists were brutally attacked and beaten up by the assailants,leaving them hospitalized.
The GJA assisted the victims to formally report to the police and were given medical forms for treatment at various hospitals including Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
This heinous act of violence is a reprehensible affront to press freedom and a stark reminder of the perilous environment in which journalists operate.
The fact that this attack occurred in broad daylight, with impunity, is a damning indictment of the authorities’ failure to protect journalists.
We hold the perpetrators of this despicable act responsible and demand that they be brought to justice forthwith.
The attack is not an isolated incident; it is part of a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation against journalists.
This trend must be halted, and those responsible must be held accountable.
Attacks on journalists not only harm individuals but also erode trust in institutions and undermine the public’s right to information
We stand in solidarity with the victims and all journalists who face threats, intimidation, and violence in the pursuit of truth.
GJA will not be silenced, and we will continue to demand justice and accountability, and call on authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
We also urge governments and leaders worldwide to prioritize journalists’ safety and protect the rights of media professionals to report freely and without fear of reprisal.
Signed:
Kingsley E. Hope
GJA Regional Chairman,
Ashanti
The legal representatives of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta have responded to the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) directive for their client to appear before it in person on 10th February 2025, stating that he was abroad for medical treatment.
In a letter sighted by Myjoyonline dated January 31, the lawyers gave this explanation as the reason why Mr Ofori-Atta could not report to the OSP as requested on January 24, 2025.
According to the lawyers, Mr Ofori-Atta was unaware of the OSP’s letter initially, as it was left at his security post while he was out of the country. They further clarified that he had notified both the former and current Chief of Staff about his medical trip earlier in January.
The legal team stated that Ofori-Atta was undergoing medical observation and tests, with treatment plans yet to be finalised. Source: Emma Ankrah
The Office of the Special Prosecutor has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a fugitive.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng said “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Ofori-Atta”
He declared him a fugitive on the grounds of causing financial loss to the state in several dealings including the construction of the famous National Cathedral and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA’s) – Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
Mr.Ken Ofori-Atta Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng
The former minister is wanted because of his involvement of the construction of the National Cathedral promised by the former President, Akufo-Addo. Mr Ofori Atta was the one who released state funds for the project.
In 2020, Ken Ofori-Atta on the request of President Akufo-Addo’s Chief of Staff, authorised the release of a gargantuan ¢142.7million for the national cathedral project.
Despite the release of these funds, the construction hangs in the balance as those in charge have allegedly mismanaged the funds.
It has also emerged that the board of trustees of the project led by Rev. Kusi Boateng, mishandled the bulk part of the funds. Mr Ofori-Atta has been blamed for releasing the funds without considering the value of money and accountability.
In the case of the GRA and SML, the finance minister is again accused by the public of going into a deal that has caused financial loss to the state.
In 2019, GRA executed a payment of over ₵1 billion to SML under the auspices of Mr. Ken Ofori Atta without the involvement of the Public Procurement Authority’s approval as the constitution demands.
This money was paid to SML for the services of Transaction Audit Services, Measurement Audit of Downstream Petroleum Products, Consolidation Services Agreement (Transaction Audit and External Verification Services), External Price Verification Services, Addendum to Measurement Audit for Downstream Petroleum Products Agreement, Consolidation of the first consolidation contract and downstream petroleum audit contract and extension of the scope of SML’s services and Contract Extension.
Over the years, anti-corruption agencies and individuals have called for the prosecution of Mr Ofori Atta for causing financial loss to the state.
Key among them were the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and some others who have sued the former minister, GRA, and SML for corruption and demanded a refund of the money.
The OSP has since taken over the matter and other substantial corruption-related cases in the country.
The OSP has therefore declared the former finance minister, Ken Ofori Atta wanted and that he is a fugitive of justice.
According to the OSP, Ken Ofori Atta has no intention of voluntarily returning to the jurisdiction. The OSP has warned that it will take all necessary legal steps to secure his return and ensure his attendance.
“You have two choices, either return to the jurisdiction voluntarily or the OSP will enforce your return.”Source: Clara Seshie
The Council of State election in the Ashanti region was disrupted by chaos after some heavily built men stormed the polling station where voting had been taking place peacefully.
JoyNews understands that the heavily built men disrupted the process, destroying Electoral Commission (EC) materials and physically assaulting journalists.
As a result, the election process has been halted, with security in the region yet to restore calm.
A similar incident occurred during the Greater Accra region’s election, where the police intervened swiftly to restore order.Source:myjoyonline.com
National Security operatives have intercepted a significant haul of counterfeit money and suspected gold bars concealed within twelve 20-foot shipping containers.
Authorities have confirmed that two of the containers remain unaccounted for, with intensified efforts underway to locate them.
Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched for four individuals, including a suspected ringleader identified only as Alhaji. National Security has assured the public that investigations are ongoing to dismantle the operation and bring all culprits to justice.
Twenty-nine-year-old Karen Baaba Sam, the resilient Ghanaian lady at the heart of an alleged domestic violence case and a child custody action, has stated that contrary to what her ex-partner, Nana Kwadwo Adjei, is allegedly paying some media outlets and law enforcement agencies to put out there, she is in court fighting for her rights and those of her 5-year-old daughter.
Ms Baaba Sam, in an exclusive interview after the Achimota District Court presided over by his worship, Prince Osei Owusu, on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, granted a motion filed by her lawyers seeking an order to set aside what she says was an “illegally” obtained arrest warrant against her allegedly procured by her ex-partner, Nana Kwadwo Adjei with the assistance of some elements in the Ghana Police Service, said she will do all within her power and the law to protect her five-year-old girl.
At the hearing of the motion on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, lawyers representing Ms Baaba Sam told the magistrate that the warrant of arrest had no basis and ought to be rescinded.
The state, represented by a senior state attorney, David Beecham, did not oppose the application. To this end, the magistrate proceeded to set aside the arrest warrant. In effect, Ms Karen Baaba Sam is no longer threatened with arrest and is free to go about her daily activities.
Ironically, following the decision of the Achimota District Court, Karen Baaba Sam says she has taken note of some 6 February 2025 newspaper publications in the Chronicle, Day Break, Metro Lens, and Supreme newspapers, claiming that she has defied justice by refusing to obey a court order by keeping her own daughter.
She pointed out that she is in court challenging the said orders, which she believes her ex-partner obtained illegally, just like the arrest warrant issued against her that the district court has set aside as of Tuesday, 4 February 2025.
“In January 1968, long before you, Kwadwo Adjei was born, it was stated that a court making a decision where a party does not appear because he has not been notified is doing a null act.
“The orders that Nana Adjei lied about, paid for, and obtained on 10 and 14 January 2025 will eventually face the same doom as his illegal arrest warrant. He can buy as many gullible pressmen as he wants to purvey his lies, but he cannot purvey the law and justice,” Ms Baaba Sam remarked.
“One by one, all those you have paid and lied to will run in the face of the law and true justice. What we are seeing and reading about in these rented press outlets is still the abuser at work, lying, deceiving, and bribing the gullible to do his bidding,” Baaba Sam further remarked.
Background
Karen Baaba Sam broke her silence on the years of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her ex-partner, Nana Adjei, on 20 January 2025.
In a chilling account, Karen details the harrowing experiences that began in 2016 and culminated in a bitter custody battle over their daughter, Ohemaa. Karen met Nana Adjei in 2016. What initially seemed like a loving and protective relationship soon took a dark turn.
By 2018, when she became pregnant with their daughter, Nana Adjei appeared excited, especially since most of his children from previous relationships lived abroad with their mothers. However, cracks began to show when his second son, who had moved in with them, left after suffering physical abuse from his father.
Karen recalls the first incident of domestic violence occurring in December 2018, when Nana Adjei returned home drunk after a night out. When she asked him about where he had been, the responses she received were slaps and kicks to her body, including her pregnant belly.
“I was more scared for my unborn child than for myself,” she recounted. She managed to call a friend, Leeroy, who intervened. Nana Adjei later apologized, blaming his actions on the alcohol he had consumed.
Over the years, Karen says she suffered repeated physical assaults, often resulting in black eyes and a swollen face. Despite her brother filing a report at the East Legon Police Station, no action was taken.
According to Karen, Nana Adjei boasted about his influence in the police, making it impossible for her to seek justice. Karen’s breaking point came in April 2023, when she encountered Nana Adjei at a restaurant with another woman, whom she later discovered was his new girlfriend.
When she attempted to leave with him in his (Nana Adjei’s) car, the woman humiliated her in public, while Nana Adjei did nothing to stop it. Karen chose to walk away. However, when she got home, Nana Adjei attacked her again, beating her in the presence of their daughter.
“Nana Adjei also assaulted two family friends visiting from Germany who tried to intervene. During the chaos, Nana Adjei even kicked their daughter, causing her to fall and cry. Determined to escape the abuse, Karen ended the relationship in December 2023.
“Nana Adjei reacted with threats and demanded the return of all gifts he had given her, including their daughter’s school car. Fearing further abuse, Karen moved out in February 2024.
On her very first night in her new home, Karen was robbed at gunpoint, with all her valuables stolen. She found the timing suspicious, especially when Nana Adjei demanded the return of a specific necklace—the only valuable the robbers did not take.
The authorities believed the attack was carried out by someone close to her, prompting them to assign her police protection.
The Achimota District Court presided over by his worship, Prince Osei Owusu, has granted a motion filed by Ms. Karen Baaba Sam’s lawyers seeking an order to set aside what she says is was an “illegally” obtained arrest warrant against her allegedly procured by her ex-partner, Nana Kwadwo Adjei with the assistance of some elements in the Ghana Police Service.
At the hearing of the motion today, Tuesday, 4 February 2025, lawyers representing Ms Baaba Sam told the magistrate that the warrant of arrest had no basis and the same ought to be rescind The state, represented by a senior state attorney, David Beecham, did not oppose the application. To this end, the magistrate proceeded to set aside the arrest warrant. In effect, Ms Karen Baaba Sam is no longer threatened with arrest and is free to go about her daily activities.
Background
The warrant of arrest, dated Monday, 20 January 2025, emerged on social media. It declared Baaba Sam wanted by the District Court in Achimota (Achimota District Court) to assist the Police Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in a case of unlawful child removal.
The Police warrant further states that Ms Baaba Sam is 29 years old, 5 feet and 6 inches tall, fair in complexion, slim in stature, has a tattoo on her right breast, and is a native of Dormaa Ahenkro.
According to the Police, she was believed to be hiding in East Legon, Airport Residential Area, Cantonments, Osu, or Dzorwulu. The warrant was signed by the Superintendent of Police, Joseph Benefo Darkwah.
However, in an affidavit deposed to by Karen Baaba Sam, she indicates that her attention has been drawn to an arrest warrant issued by the Achimota district court for her arrest based on which publications were made in the Daily Graphic on 22 January and splashed in several other newspapers on 23 January 2025, projecting her as a fugitive from justice.
As her first step, Ms Baaba Sam said she caused her lawyer to conduct a search at the Achimota District Court to find out the specific case upon which the arrest warrant was issued. The lawyers found nothing.
To this end, her lawyers wrote to the Daily Graphic to withdraw and apologize for their publication. Ms Baaba Sam further states in her affidavits that within hours of the search, the Registrar of the Achimota District Court telephoned her lawyers to say that he (the Registrar) had made a new discovery on the matter.
He (the Registrar) then went to see Ms Baaba Sam’s lawyers to discuss what he said he had found and then returned to write a letter with an attached affidavit that stated something different from what he stated in search results without producing any order or record of the Achimota District Court that authorized the issue of the warrant or its publication in the Daily Graphic.
Ms Baaba Sam also deposed further as follows: “That the warrant, whether issued by the Court, with respect, was procured through fraud and illegally perpetrated by Detective Inspector Samuel Sakyi appeared in the honorable Court to obtain the warrant against me (Baaba Sam).
“That Detective Inspector Samuel Sakyi’s depositions that the complainant had custody and that I (Baaba Sam) took away my daughter and am refusing to return her are all false.
“That, I (Baaba Sam) am engaged in two cases involving domestic abuse and custody with the complainant, with one pending in the Circuit Court (Child-Friendly Gender-Based Violence Court), Police Headquarters, Accra, and the other pending before the District Court (Family Division), Accra.”
In her affidavits, Ms Baaba Sam states that on 13 December 2024, the District Court made orders for the sharing of the Christmas vacation between her and the complainant (Nana Kwadwo Adjei). Subsequently, the complainant abused the daughter, and Ms Sam applied to both courts. On 23 December 2024, the Circuit Court granted me and my daughter interim protection orders against the complainant.
“The Circuit Court ordered the complainant to appear in court on 14 January 2025 to show cause why the protection order should not be finalized. I (Baaba Sam) picked up my daughter on 29 December 2024 and the complainant was served with the order to appear on 31 December 2024
“On 14 January 2025, I appeared in the Circuit Court with my daughter, but the complainant refused to appear and instead sent his lawyer to tell the Circuit Court judge that he had traveled, even though that was a lie, and that he had been before the District Court without notice to me (Baaba Sam) to obtain orders behind my back.
“The Circuit Court nevertheless granted the complainant another adjournment to 11 February 2025 to show cause, but he has so far refused, and instead, he is misleading the police and other officers he has influenced to harass me with false allegations behind my back,” Ms. Baaba Sam’s affidavit read.
“I (Baaba Sam) am keeping my daughter pursuant to an interim protection order issued by the Circuit Court on 23 December 2024. The alleged complainant challenged the order at the High Court, which resulted in my counter-challenge in the Supreme Court.
“As such, when the said policeman (Detective Inspector Samuel Sakyi) appeared in this Court with the said affidavit representing me as a criminal and fugitive from justice, he was lying and doing Nana Kwadwo Adjei’s bidding only because of bribes he continued to pay to those willing to do his bidding and pervert the course of justice in the dispute between us,” the affidavit further read.
Ms Baaba Sam ends her affidavits by stating that “Kwadwo Adjei is only using this Court and sections of the police to unlawfully advance his personal interests and that the issuance of the warrant and its publication in the Graphic has caused her exceedingly great harm and injury.
“I hereby pray this Court to set aside the warrant and issue consequential orders to bring all those who played any role in it to justice. My daughter is in my lawful custody by virtue of the interim protection order granted me by the Circuit Court, which is still undergoing the lawful appeal and review processes in the appropriate higher courts. This Court should not lend its powers to perpetrate illegality against me (Baaba Sam),” the affidavit concluded.
The Children and Women’s Advocacy Alliance (CWAA), a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of women and children, has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), George Akuffo Dampare, to arrest, investigate, and prosecute prominent real estate mogul Nana Kwadwo Adjei over allegations of abuse, exploitation, and intimidation.
In a petition submitted to the IGP on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, the Executive Director of CWAA, Nana Agyeman Prempeh, underscored the organization’s commitment to protecting vulnerable groups, expressing deep concern over the reported violations linked to Nana Adjei. “We consider it both our duty and responsibility to bring this matter to your esteemed attention, with the hope that swift and decisive action will be taken to secure justice for the victims,” parts of the petition stated.
The advocacy group contended that multiple credible sources had brought forward troubling reports implicating Nana Kwadwo Adjei in serious offenses, including economic exploitation, physical abuse, and threats directed at women and children. CWAA described these alleged actions as a direct violation of Ghanaian laws protecting children and women, as well as international conventions ratified by the country.
Evidence of cases
The petition further detailed a harrowing account from Karen Baaba Sam, a young Ghanaian woman who accused Nana Adjei of persistent domestic abuse spanning years. “According to Karen, she met Nana Adjei in 2016 and later became romantically involved with him, leading to a pregnancy in 2018. However, she claimed that her once-hopeful relationship turned violent during her pregnancy, marking the beginning of sustained abuse.
“Karen alleged that in December 2018, while she was pregnant, Nana Adjei physically assaulted her during a drunken altercation, slapping and kicking her stomach, endangering their unborn child. Although he later apologized and attributed his actions to alcohol consumption, the abuse reportedly persisted,” the CWAA’s petition read.
The petition explained that: “Over the years, Karen documented multiple instances of physical violence, intimidation, and emotional distress at the hands of Nana Adjei. In April 2024, she claimed he assaulted both her and their daughter following an argument. Friends who attempted to intervene allegedly faced physical aggression as well”.
“Following her attempts to leave the abusive relationship, Karen recounted that Nana Adjei intensified his threats, demanded the return of material possessions he had given her, and even pursued custody of their daughter. She also survived a robbery in February 2024, which she suspected could be linked to someone with knowledge of her circumstances,” the petition further stated.
“As part of the evidence submitted to the police, a leaked audio recording purportedly captures Nana Adjei admitting to physically assaulting Karen. In the clip, he expressed bitterness over her refusal to reconcile with him after enduring abuse, arguing that if she forgave his past violent behavior, she should forgive his infidelity as well”, it revealed.
Alleged assault of UK-based Ghanaian
Another case presented by CWAA involves Nuhu Ibrahim, a Ghanaian residing in the United Kingdom, who alleged that Nana Adjei physically assaulted him on January 19, 2023, in East Legon, Accra.
According to Ibrahim’s statement, he had parked in a residential area waiting to deliver items to a relative when Nana Adjei confronted him, accusing him of being an armed robber. Ibrahim alleged that Nana Adjei summoned accomplices, who proceeded to assault him, resulting in serious injuries and the theft of £2,000 in cash. Despite filing a complaint with the East Legon Police, Ibrahim stated that the case was ignored after authorities learned of Nana Adjei’s involvement.
Police complicity
CWAA further raised concerns over alleged police bias in handling complaints against Nana Adjei. The group revealed that Karen Baaba Sam, despite being a domestic abuse victim, was declared “wanted” by the Achimota District Court on January 20, 2025, over an alleged “unlawful child removal” case involving her daughter.
The petition questioned the integrity of this arrest warrant, alleging that police officials, including a now-interdicted officer, Douglas Kwaku Addy, facilitated an effort to discredit and silence Karen at Nana Adjei’s behest. CWAA alleged that bribes were paid to police officers and lower court judges in an attempt to manipulate legal proceedings in favor of the businessman.
CWAA has since learned that Karen Baaba Sam has filed a legal motion to challenge the legitimacy of the arrest warrant issued against her. Reports indicate that an initial search at the Achimota District Court yielded no records of an official case against her, further intensifying concerns about judicial manipulation in favor of Nana Adjei.
Immediate action
Given the gravity of these allegations, CWAA is demanding urgent action from the Ghana Police Service to arrest, investigate, and prosecute Nana Kwadwo Adjei.
“The severity of the alleged crimes warrants an immediate and thorough investigation. The Ghana Police Service cannot afford to overlook such grave human rights violations against women and children,” CWAA’s petition emphasized.
The advocacy group is also calling for an independent inquiry into how Nana Adjei has evaded legal consequences over the years, suggesting that his wealth and societal influence may have shielded him from scrutiny. CWAA stressed that all those who have colluded to obstruct justice, including police officers implicated in alleged corruption, should also be investigated.
Furthermore, CWAA underscored the urgent need to protect the victims and witnesses involved in this case, citing concerns over potential retaliation. “We cannot continue to live in a society where powerful individuals exploit and abuse vulnerable women and children without consequence. The law must be upheld, and justice must prevail,” the petition concluded.
About CWAA
The Children and Women’s Advocacy Alliance (CWAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and well-being of women and children. Guided by the belief that every individual deserves dignity, respect, and equality, CWAA focuses on advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives to address issues of injustice, discrimination, and violence against vulnerable groups.
Our mission is to create a safer and more equitable society by promoting legal reforms, providing access to essential resources, and amplifying the voices of women and children through public campaigns and community partnerships. We are committed to fostering a culture where their rights are not only acknowledged but protected and prioritized.
At CWAA, we champion justice, inclusion, and empowerment—ensuring women and children thrive in environments free of oppression and inequality.
The prosecution in the COCOBOD case has dropped all charges against Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opuni, former CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board, and businessman Seidu Agongo. The duo faced 27 charges, including defrauding by false pretenses, willfully causing financial loss to the state, and corruption by public officers.
Dr. Stephen Kwabena Opun
In a surprising turn of events, State Attorney Enam Mensah informed the High Court on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, that the Attorney General had directed the prosecution to withdraw the charges. The prosecution subsequently filed a notice of withdrawal, citing Section 59 Act 30.
The case, which began in 2018, centered on allegations that Opuni and Agongo caused a financial loss of over GH¢271 million to the state through a series of Lithovit foliar fertilizer transactions. However, the prosecution’s decision to drop the charges brings an end to the lengthy and complex trial.
It’s worth noting that the case had its share of controversies, including allegations of withheld evidence and bias. In February 2024, a subpoenaed witness revealed that a crucial test result from the Ghana Standards Authority, which confirmed Lithovit as a fertilizer, was not presented in court.
