Former Attorney General, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, has called for a more measured approach in the Special Prosecutor’s handling of investigations, particularly concerning the declaration of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as a fugitive.
Speaking on The Forum on Asaase Radio on Saturday (15 February), Ayikoi Otoo raised concerns about the OSP’s investigative methods, suggesting that experienced investigators should be leading the charge.
“He [the SP] is a creature of statute, and therefore, anytime he is acting, he should endeavour to show us his authority.
I don’t know how the office is working because if the investigations were being handled by seasoned professionals, the Special Prosecutor wouldn’t always be the one coming out to say he is doing something.
We don’t see the Attorney General doing that because he leaves it to the police to gather information and build a docket,” he explained.
Addressing the legality of declaring Ofori-Atta wanted, Ayikoi Otoo questioned the basis of such an action when the former minister has not been charged.
“The person has the right to remain silent. If you only want him to help you with investigations, how do you go forward to declare him a fugitive when you know where to find him?” The accused person can simply come and say he has nothing to say.
He could deny all charges, and that would not stop the OSP from continuing investigations or even prosecuting him in absentia,” he further remarked.
Nii Ayikoi Otoo urged the Special Prosecutor to refine his approach, cautioning that his office should focus on gathering solid evidence rather than making premature public pronouncements.
Ken Ofori-Atta has been declared a fugitive by the OSP over his alleged involvement in some corruption cases when he was in government.
Ofori-Atta is in abroad and has evaded investigations, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has said indicating all necessary steps would be taken to bring him back.
Ofori-Atta has been accused of causing financial losses to the state, including the alleged spending of $58m (£46.6m) of government money in the controversial national cathedral project, which remains a hole in the ground.
