Ghana's top anti-corruption official has defended his agency against accusations that it allowed former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to travel abroad while under investigation, stating that security services refused to cooperate with efforts to restrict his movement.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng told an interviewer that his office lacked authority over border checkpoints and airports when Ofori-Atta departed for the United States between December 1 and 7. He noted that Nana Akufo-Addo, who was serving as president at that time, is a relative of the former minister. Agyebeng said his team repeatedly requested help from security organizations to stop the departure but received no assistance, suggesting deliberate obstruction. The prosecutor described facing institutional barriers that prevented effective action, with immigration officials ignoring both telephone calls and written communications.
Agyebeng stated that coordination with immigration authorities and national security has improved, enabling his office to enforce travel bans when needed. He announced plans to file criminal charges by late November against multiple people connected to contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the revenue authority. The accused include Ofori-Atta, former revenue commissioner Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, officials Isaac Crentsil and Kwadwo Damoa, plus ex-ministry advisor Ernest Akore.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng told an interviewer that his office lacked authority over border checkpoints and airports when Ofori-Atta departed for the United States between December 1 and 7. He noted that Nana Akufo-Addo, who was serving as president at that time, is a relative of the former minister. Agyebeng said his team repeatedly requested help from security organizations to stop the departure but received no assistance, suggesting deliberate obstruction. The prosecutor described facing institutional barriers that prevented effective action, with immigration officials ignoring both telephone calls and written communications.
Agyebeng stated that coordination with immigration authorities and national security has improved, enabling his office to enforce travel bans when needed. He announced plans to file criminal charges by late November against multiple people connected to contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the revenue authority. The accused include Ofori-Atta, former revenue commissioner Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah and Emmanuel Kofi Nti, officials Isaac Crentsil and Kwadwo Damoa, plus ex-ministry advisor Ernest Akore.
