A former Director of the Ghana School of Law, Kwaku Ansah-Asare, has criticized Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng for publicly declaring former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person.

Speaking in an interview on TV3 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, Ansah-Asare described the move as disgraceful and damaging to Ghana’s reputation.

“Declaring a former finance minister a wanted person is a very serious matter. It is an act of disgrace to the nation. Let us handle this in a more civilized manner. What has the former Finance Minister done? Where was the Special Prosecutor when Ghanaians angrily declared the National Cathedral one of the biggest financial losses to the nation?” he questioned.

Ansah-Asare argued that if anyone should be declared wanted, it should be the Special Prosecutor himself.

The former Director of the Ghana School of Law expressed concern over what he described as a selective approach to justice, highlighting cases where large sums of money were allegedly misappropriated without any action being taken.

“Somebody took $42 million. He did nothing. People have stolen millions, and he did not do anything. Why this high-profile drama every morning in a serious country like Ghana?” he added.

He further expressed frustration over what he called unnecessary media theatrics, stating that the situation should have been handled with more decorum.

“We don’t need this. We know where the former Finance Minister is. If you think he has a case to answer, summon him through the appropriate channels. This drama in the media is unnecessary,” he emphasised.

Ansah-Asare argued that the Special Prosecutor’s actions might do more harm than good, potentially setting a bad precedent for future administrations.

“That is not the way to go about it. We are a civilized nation, and we must handle things in a more responsible manner. This approach is doing more harm than good,” he warned.

He also questioned the Special Prosecutor’s priorities, suggesting that more pressing corruption cases had been overlooked.

“Where was the Special Prosecutor when the media reported that $50 million had been lost? Where was he when the National Cathedral issue was making headlines? This is just another theatrical display driven by political motives,” he asserted.

Additionally, he called for the removal of the Special Prosecutor, citing incompetence and dereliction of duty.

“The OSP Act lists incompetence and dereliction of duty as grounds for removal. Former ministers stole millions, and he did nothing. Now, he suddenly wakes up and declares the Finance Minister wanted? He should be removed,” he argued.

Ansah-Asare stressed that law enforcement should be impartial and free from political influence.

“We should not allow the Special Prosecutor to be used by the current administration to embarrass former government officials. If he is truly committed to justice, let him pursue all cases with equal vigor, not just those that serve a political agenda,” he stated.

He emphasized the importance of a fair and just legal system that does not engage in selective prosecutions.

“Crime does not have an expiry date, but the approach to handling it must be civilized, responsible, and devoid of unnecessary drama. Former appointees must be held accountable, but it must be done in a manner that upholds the dignity of the nation,” he said.

The OSP has declared Ken Ofori-Atta wanted over allegations of causing financial loss to the state in dealings including the construction of the controversial National Cathedral and the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) contract with Strategic Mobilization Ghana Limited (SML).

JKB/MA

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