The Human Rights Court in Accra has dismissed an application filed by former Finance Minister, Kenneth Ofori-Atta, seeking to block the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him “wanted” and circulating his image publicly.
This was confirmed by the OSP in an X post on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
The application, which also sought an interlocutory injunction to restrain the OSP from labelling him a “fugitive from justice,” was thrown out by Justice Kwame Amoako on grounds that it lacked merit.
The court ruled that Ofori-Atta failed to meet the three key legal requirements for such an injunction: a serious question to be tried, the risk of irreparable damage, and a balance of convenience in his favour.
This development clears the way for the OSP to continue its investigations and enforcement actions against the former minister, who is currently under multiple investigations for alleged financial misconduct, procurement irregularities, and offshore transactions during his time in office.
Ofori-Atta, who has been unresponsive to several invitations from the OSP, is currently the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice, with extradition processes underway to secure his return to Ghana.
The case before the Human Rights Court forms part of a broader legal effort by Ofori-Atta to challenge the authority of the OSP.
In his initial suit filed on March 13, 2025, he argued that the OSP had no legal power to declare him wanted without a court order and accused the office of violating his constitutional rights to liberty and free movement.
He also claimed the OSP’s actions breached Ghana’s obligations under international treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Despite dismissing the injunction, Justice Amoako made it clear that the court had not yet ruled on the substantive case.
Both parties have been directed to file issues for determination within two weeks with the case expected to resume on July 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has defended its actions, insisting that all measures taken were lawful and necessary to ensure accountability.
The OSP noted that Ofori-Atta’s refusal to appear for questioning justified the decision to issue a public “wanted” notice.
