Global South World - Embezzlement https://www.globalsouthworld.com/rss/tag/Embezzlement en-US Ghana's former Finance Minister declared fugitive over corruption allegations—What we know https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/ghana-s-former-finance-minister-declared-fugitive-over-corruption-allegationswhat-we-know https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/ghana-s-former-finance-minister-declared-fugitive-over-corruption-allegationswhat-we-know Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:08:01 Z During a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated, “The fugitive’s name is Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta. Mr. Ofori-Atta is 66 years old. He served as the Minister of Finance of the Republic from 2017 to 2024.”

Although Ofori-Atta has reportedly left the country on medical grounds, the OSP has insisted on his return, warning that failure to comply will result in legal measures being taken to facilitate his extradition and prosecution.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta left the jurisdiction on or around January 2, 2025. On January 24, 2025, the OSP formally notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was considered a suspect in connection with four corruption cases. He was instructed to appear in person on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 10 GMT for an interview. However, his lawyers informed the OSP that he had left the jurisdiction indefinitely on medical grounds,” Agyebeng added.

Corruption Scandals

The OSP has cited Ofori-Atta in multiple corruption-related cases between 2019 and 2023, including the disbursement of funds without proper authorisation. Key among these cases are:

According to local media outlet Joy News , the funds disbursed to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd were meant for various services, including transaction audit services, petroleum product measurement audits, and external price verification. Additionally, payments related to the National Cathedral project, a contract for purchasing and maintaining ambulances, and activities surrounding the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) tax refund account are under scrutiny.

The OSP detailed five key scandals involving the former minister:

Alleged house raid denied

Regarding reports of a raid on Ofori-Atta’s residence on February 11, the OSP has denied any involvement.

“The OSP never raided the house of the former minister on Tuesday, February 11, or any other day. We never asked any uniformed personnel to storm Kenneth Ofori-Atta’s house; that is not our style. If the OSP conducts a search, it is done in a formal and identifiable manner, as we have unique procedures and official identity logos,” Agyebeng clarified.

]]> Global South World Parliament of Ghana Parliament of Ghana Ken-Ofori-Atta Vietnamese tycoon faces death as court upholds verdict in staggering $12 billion fraud case: Video https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/vietnamese-tycoon-faces-death-as-court-upholds-verdict-in-staggering-12-billion-fraud-case-video https://www.globalsouthworld.com/article/vietnamese-tycoon-faces-death-as-court-upholds-verdict-in-staggering-12-billion-fraud-case-video Tue, 03 Dec 2024 11:59:31 Z Vietnam's court has upheld the death sentence for tycoon Truong My Lan in a $12 billion bank fraud case. However, her life could be spared if she repays three-quarters of the embezzled assets. The court rejected her appeal, maintaining the severe penalty for her massive embezzlement, on Tuesday, December 3.

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