Ibrahim Adjei, former Assistant Secretary to the Office of former President Akufo-Addo, has clarified that medical complications, not any form of defiance, are preventing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from appearing before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as scheduled.
His comments follow heightened public interest after the OSP issued a stern notice directing Mr. Ofori-Atta to report in person to its headquarters on Monday, June 2, or face possible extradition proceedings.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, June 2, monitored by ghanablogs, Adjei dismissed suggestions that Mr. Ofori-Atta is evading the OSP’s summons, insisting that his medical condition is the only hindrance.
“He has to understand that it is not the unwillingness to travel, but the medical implications of travelling that are preventing Honourable Ken Ofori-Atta from coming. At no point has he said he won’t come. He has communicated where he is and the treatment he is undergoing while the OSP is away,” Adjei explained.
He added that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team has submitted medical documents to both the OSP and the Human Rights Court, outlining his condition and pending surgical procedures.
“Nobody can accuse him of a last-minute excuse. His medical situation predates the current request. It’s really at the discretion of the OSP to say, given your circumstances, these are the issues we want you to answer, and he can do it.”
On Sunday, June 1, the OSP warned that if the former Finance Minister failed to appear on Monday, he would be reinstated on its list of wanted persons and formally declared a fugitive from justice.
The OSP also indicated it would begin the process of issuing an INTERPOL Red Notice—an international alert to locate and arrest a suspect for extradition.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ofori-Atta has requested a virtual session with the OSP due to ongoing medical complications.