"I even suspect OSP when it comes to Ken Ofori-Atta" – Nana Yaw Sarpong raises eyebrows

Nana Yaw Sarpong, a political aide to Independent Presidential Candidate, Alan Kyerematen, has publicly questioned the impartiality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in its handling of investigations related to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Speaking on an Accra-based television station on Tuesday, Mr. Sarpong expressed deep concerns about what he described as potential “underhand dealings” between the OSP and the Ofori-Atta family.

He argued that Ghanaians have every reason to suspect a lack of fairness and transparency in the way the OSP is addressing allegations against the former minister.

“I even suspect the OSP when it comes to the issue about Ken Ofori-Atta,” Sarpong declared.

“As an ordinary Ghanaian, with no legal background, I find it difficult to accept that the OSP is handling this matter with the same rigor they apply to others.”

He cited several high-profile controversies involving Ken Ofori-Atta, including the National Cathedral project, the ambulance procurement saga, the controversial payments made to the President’s daughter, and the SML revenue monitoring contract.

According to him, these matters are well-known to the public and deserve thorough scrutiny.

“Being a suspect doesn’t mean you’re guilty. It means you are alleged to have committed or intended to commit a crime. But the law must apply to all, equally,” he added.

"The question we should be asking is whether the OSP has the legal authority and moral courage to call Ken to answer questions. The answer is yes.”

Mr. Sarpong referenced the Special Prosecutor’s Act (Act 959), particularly Sections 28 through 30, which empower the OSP to summon individuals for interrogation when suspected of holding relevant information.

He criticized what he called “technical delays” being used by Ken Ofori-Atta’s legal team to stall the process, especially after the former minister claimed medical reasons for his absence from scheduled interrogations.

Mr. Sarpong noted that Ofori-Atta had previously sat through extended hours of parliamentary vetting despite being unwell, questioning why he couldn’t do the same now.

“We sympathize with Ken over his health. We pray for his recovery. But even when he was visibly unwell, he was vetted over two days to continue as Finance Minister. Why can’t he show the same commitment when being called to account for public funds?”

He concluded by urging the OSP to demonstrate fairness and transparency, warning that public trust in anti-corruption institutions is at stake.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith