Ofori-Atta vs OSP Case Adjourned to November 25: High Court Hears Motions on Discovery and Amendments Amid Extradition Tensions
The Human Rights Division of the Accra High Court has deferred to November 25, 2025, the ongoing legal battle between former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), following arguments on two motions during Thursday’s hearing. Ofori-Atta’s counsel, led by Frank Davies, filed for discovery of documents and leave to amend the originating motion, both contested by OSP lawyers, prompting the court to mandate written submissions by midnight October 24.
The case, docketed as Suit No. HRCM/001/2025, stems from Ofori-Atta’s February 2025 lawsuit challenging the OSP’s declaration of him as a “wanted person and fugitive from justice,” which he argues infringes on his rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and privacy under Articles 14 and 18 of the 1992 Constitution.
The OSP, under Kissi Agyebeng, re-declared Ofori-Atta wanted in June 2025 after he failed to appear for questioning on alleged corruption in five probes: the SML contract irregularities, National Cathedral expenditures, ambulance procurement, tax refunds, and petroleum revenue assurance.
This triggered an Interpol Red Notice, though the U.S., where Ofori-Atta resides for medical treatment, has not acted, citing insufficient evidence for extradition.
Ofori-Atta’s team contends the public “wanted” label—first issued in February 2025 after he skipped a February 10 interrogation citing health issues—was unlawful and politically motivated, violating the OSP Act, 2017 (Act 1034) and legal ethics.
The OSP counters that Ofori-Atta’s “bad faith” evasion—despite a temporary removal of the notice in May 2025 after a pledged return—necessitated the re-declaration and Red Notice.
Recent leaks of OSP-AG communications revealed coordination hiccups, including delays in docket sharing, fueling claims of “frustration” in extradition efforts.
The AG, Dr. Dominic Ayine, clarified on October 22 that no extradition can proceed without a “substantive legal case,” requiring formal charges and evidence—currently stalled by Ofori-Atta’s U.S.-based medical defense and court filings.
Ofori-Atta’s family accuses the OSP of “abuse of power” and rights violations, including ignoring medical reports submitted May 27, 2025.709671 The OSP insists on in-person questioning, rejecting virtual options.
