Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has filed a lawsuit against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), challenging its recent public declaration that he is a “wanted” fugitive. Ofori-Atta contends that the OSP exceeded its legal authority by using a media briefing to label him as a fugitive, arguing that the move violated his constitutional rights.
The OSP’s declaration last month came after they claimed that Mr.Ofori-Atta had refused to cooperate with their investigations into alleged corruption. In response, Mr. Ofori-Atta, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insists he has made himself available for questioning through his legal team.
Now, the former minister is seeking to block the OSP from reissuing the declaration, which he deems “baseless” and damaging to his reputation and personal life. His legal action, filed at the High Court’s Human Rights Division, calls for a series of declarations including:
- A claim that the OSP has no legal authority to use a media briefing to declare someone wanted or a fugitive.
- That only the police, with prior court approval, have the power to issue such declarations.
- An argument that the OSP’s actions violate his fundamental rights, including personal liberty and freedom of movement, as outlined in both the Ghanaian Constitution and international human rights treaties.
Mr.Ofori-Atta’s legal team argues that the OSP’s actions represent an overreach of power, violating not only his personal rights but also Ghana’s international obligations under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
As the legal battle unfolds, Ofori-Atta seeks a court order preventing the OSP from making any further declarations about him until the matter is resolved. This case has sparked debate over the boundaries of prosecutorial authority in Ghana, and whether public declarations like the one made by the OSP undermine an individual’s right to a fair legal process.
Source:TheDotNews