The Director of Strategy, Research, and Communication at the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), Samuel Appiah Darko, has stated that the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, must return to the country to cooperate with the OSP in its investigations.

He explained that the former minister must respond to the probe not at his discretion, but by the OSP's directive.

"We are convinced that he needs to come, and not when he wants to come," he said on JoyNews' Newsfile on Saturday, 15th February.

Mr. Appiah Darko argued that although the former minister's lawyers have responded on his behalf, their actions raise the question, "Are the lawyers trying to suggest they committed the alleged offence with him? Suddenly, lawyers in this country can now sit in for a suspect?"

He further explained that the former minister appeared to be a "person of interest," which is why some emerging opinions suggest that the OSP did not treat him fairly.

He insisted that the OSP must declare him a fugitive and that he must appear in person to assist with the investigation.

Since the OSP declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive, many Ghanaians, including some legal practitioners, have opposed the declaration, arguing that in certain instances, it may be unconstitutional.

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has also rejected the declaration, arguing that he cannot be considered a fugitive.