Anti-corruption campaigner Edem Sananu has dismissed recent media reports alleging that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) is delaying or refusing to cooperate with the Attorney-General’s (AG) Department regarding the extradition of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
Mr Sananu insists that the OSP has been proactive in the high-profile case, suggesting that the public debate should instead focus on the worrying leakage of confidential inter-agency correspondence.
He made the assertion during an interview on Joy FM, pushing back against claims that the Special Prosecutor, who initiated the investigation, is now obstructing the legal process to bring Mr Ofori-Atta back to Ghana to face corruption charges.
The anti-corruption advocate highlighted that the available information contradicts the narrative of OSP non-cooperation.
He pointed out that the OSP has consistently been the driving force behind the initial international efforts to apprehend the former Minister.
“I find it incredulous that anybody would think that the OSP, I mean, the documentation available is the OSP that has been consistently following up on this issue,” he added.
Mr Sananu also recalled the public pushback the OSP faced immediately after issuing an international law enforcement notice against Ofori-Atta.
The OSP, under its mandate to investigate and prosecute corruption, issued a Red Notice request to INTERPOL earlier this year to facilitate the arrest and extradition of Ofori-Atta, who reportedly left the country before corruption charges were formally brought against him.
“The OSP was criticised; you had the lawyers claiming that this red alert and all that was unnecessary.”
Despite this initial resistance, Mr Sananu’s sources suggest the OSP has been diligent in preparing its case file, which is crucial for a formal extradition request, a procedure that requires meticulously prepared evidence and legal documents under international treaties.
“My understanding from sources at the OSP is that they have been working to complete the investigative report and docket. And so you will not find any documentation that suggests that they were not willing to give information to the AGs.”
Mr Sananu expressed profound concern over the recent leak of correspondence between the OSP and the AG’s office regarding the complex extradition request, branding the leakage as a threat to national interest.
Extradition processes typically require a high degree of confidentiality and strict adherence to protocol under bilateral or multilateral treaties, such as the Commonwealth Scheme for Rendition of Fugitive Offenders.
“Equally scandalous, I find that the engagement between the OSP and the AGs on trying to get an extradition request done is now in the public domain.”
The campaigner argues that the focus should be shifted from internal blame to the integrity of state security and legal processes.
“I would rather the discourse be on how this got leaked because it undermines our capacity to make sure this extradition is done and done speedily.”
The AG’s Department is constitutionally mandated to handle all formal legal requests for extradition to foreign jurisdictions. The OSP’s role is to provide a complete, robust investigative docket and supporting evidence to the AG, who then makes the final formal request. The reported inter-agency friction threatens to delay the crucial legal step.
Mr Sananu concluded by expressing confidence that the OSP is poised to provide all necessary documentation to the AG’s office this week, effectively settling the cooperation dispute.
“So I don’t know who is just trying to undermine the progress of our country by taking such positions… This week, I’m quite clear in my mind, I’m quite clear from the information that the OSP will be providing information that what is required and is probably would have some kind of press something at some point.”
The development is closely monitored by the public, as the outcome of the Ofori-Atta case is widely viewed as a critical test of the effectiveness and independence of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions.
Source: David Apinga