Director of Strategy, Research and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Samuel Appiah Darko, has defended the decision to declare former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a fugitive.

In an interview on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, he stated that the declaration was necessary due to Ofori-Atta’s persistent unwillingness to appear before the OSP despite multiple invitations.

The OSP’s move to label Ofori-Atta a fugitive has sparked significant public backlash, with many questioning the legality and fairness of the decision.

However, Darko maintained that the former minister’s failure to cooperate with the investigative process left the OSP with no other option.

“We did not take this decision lightly. It became necessary because he has shown no willingness to appear before us despite several attempts to engage him,” he asserted.

Mr Darko further explained that Ofori-Atta’s continued stay abroad and lack of engagement with the OSP’s inquiries signalled an attempt to evade accountability.

He emphasised that the office had followed due process and had given the former minister ample opportunity to respond to allegations before resorting to this measure.

"The law is clear—if an individual refuses to cooperate with an ongoing investigation, the necessary legal steps must be taken,” he added.

Despite the OSP’s justification, critics argue that declaring Ofori-Atta a fugitive while he is abroad for medical treatment is excessive and politically motivated.

The controversy surrounding this case has heightened calls for due process in handling corruption-related investigations, with many urging the OSP to ensure that its actions remain impartial and within the confines of the law.