The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has disclosed that his office was rendered powerless under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, particularly during efforts to restrict former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta from leaving the country after the 2024 elections.

Speaking KSM Show, Mr Agyebeng clarified that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) did not “watch” the former minister depart Ghana but lacked the operational backing required to enforce any travel restrictions.

"We didn't watch him leave; we were powerless, that is the truth. We saw him leave, but we couldn't prevent him from leaving the airport," he said.

He noted that the situation has changed under the new government, with all relevant security agencies now cooperating with his office in the fight against corruption.

"Now we can rely on the Ghana Immigration Service to block someone, but at the time he left, you call up Immigration, no one will bother to respond to you," he said

Read also: Lack of inter-agency support hindered efforts to block Ofori-Atta’s exit – OSP

Watch the full conversation here;

Background

The corruption case involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has evolved into one of the country’s most closely watched accountability battles.

OSP is investigating him over alleged financial misconduct linked to high-value contracts and public-fund management, including the controversial revenue-assurance agreement with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and issues surrounding the National Cathedral project.

The probe also touches on procurement matters related to the Electricity Company of Ghana. Despite multiple summonses, Mr Ofori-Atta reportedly failed to appear before investigators, prompting the OSP to declare him a fugitive and subsequently secure an INTERPOL Red Notice.

His legal team maintains concerns regarding procedure and health-related constraints, underscoring the legal tension surrounding the case. He is currently in the United States of America.