Henry Nana Boakye, the National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for declaring former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person.
Describing the OSP’s actions as “unreasonable,” Boakye pointed to ongoing communication between Ofori-Atta and the OSP, as well as a treatment letter from Mayo Clinic, as evidence that the former minister is not in hiding.
“The OSP is being unreasonable considering the ongoing communication between Ken Ofori-Atta and the OSP office concerning his status. Additionally, the treatment letter from Mayo Clinic should demonstrate that he is indeed receiving care,” Boakye stated.
He argued that, by legal definition, a fugitive is someone who cannot be located, emphasizing that due diligence must be done before such a declaration is made.
“My little knowledge in law reveals that if somebody is declared a fugitive, it means that that person cannot be reached, cannot be traced, you don’t even know where the person is, and at least you give yourself some time after a reasonable search,” he explained.
Boakye further asserted that the OSP does not have the legal mandate to declare individuals wanted, as that authority lies solely with the courts.
“In any case, the OSP lacked that power to declare anybody wanted. It is only the court that can do so,” he added.
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