The former Ghana Minister of Finance wanted by the Office of Special Prosecutor (OSP) to answer to corruption and corruption related charges has sued the OSP.

Mr Ken Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP following its decision to declare him wanted, and he is seeking an injunction to prevent the OSP from reissuing the declaration, which he claims is baseless and unjustified.

Late last year, the OSP declared him a fugitive when he was unavailable in the country to answer the charges. Mr Ofori-Atta had said he was abroad seeking medical care and would be away indefinitely.

He had also said he was cooperating with the OSP through his lawyers.

In the suit against the OSP, Ofori-Atta argues that the OSP’s actions have caused significant damage to his reputation and personal life.He is therefore asking the court to restrain the OSP from making any further declarations against him until the legal process is fully resolved.

Among other things he is seeking a declaration that;

“a.) The OSP has no statutory powers to use Media Briefing to declare a person WANTED or “fugitive from justice”;

b.) The OSP has no powers other than what is provided for the police to declare a person wanted and same cannot be done without leave of the Court;

c.) The Office of the Special Prosecutor, in exercising the powers of the police as provided for under Section 28 of the Office of the Special Prosecutor Act, 2017 (Act 959), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (Operations) Regulations, 2018 (L.I. 2374), is bound by the limits placed on the exercise of discretionary power as enshrined in the Service.

Instructions of the Police Service, under Article 200, and consistent with Article 296 of the Constitution 1992;

d.) The unlawful declaration of the Applicant as “WANTED” or “fugitive from justice” constitutes violation of his right of personal liberty as enshrined in Articles 14 of the 1992 Constitution; and right of free movement enshrined in Article 21 of the 1992 Constitution, Article 12 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Right (ICCPR) as well as Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (AfCHPR);

e.) Any act of the Office of the Special Prosecutor as a State Agency that violates the Applicant’s human rights will amount to a breach of Ghana’s international treaty obligations under the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”

In its response the OSP acknowledged the law suit, indicating that Mr Ofori-Atta has formally requested the OSP to remove his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons with the assurance to the OSP that he would make himself available for questioning on a definite date.

“The OSP, in good faith and on the basis of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s assurance, granted his request and removed his name from the OSP’s list of wanted persons pending his personal attendance,  at the OSP on the definite date.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta is mandatorily required to appear in person before the OSP on 2 June 2025. If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to attend the OSP on the scheduled date, he shall be re-entered on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and the OSP shall consider him a fugitive from justice, whereupon the OSP will cause the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice in his regard and also cause the initiation, of extradition proceedings in any jurisdiction in which he may be found,” the OSP said in a statement.

In concluding the OSP said it remains unwavering in its commitment to enforcing the law and ensuring that Mr Ofori-Atta answers for his role as the prime suspect in five ongoing corruption and corruption related investigations.

By Emmanuel K Dogbevi

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Parliament Saturday commenced a three-day post-budget workshop at the Parliament House in Accra, to equip Members of Parliament (MPs) with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively scrutinise and analyse the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, emphasised the importance of the national budget, stating that, “The national budget is the most important policy instrument of any government, as it declares government policy priorities and provides the roadmap for the direction of national development.”

He noted that the budget was a technical and complex document, making it challenging for citizens and MPs to fully appreciate its implications.

The Speaker stressed that the workshop aimed to ensure that MPs were better positioned to critique the 2025 budget statement, asking the right questions, assessing trade-offs, and understanding the potential long-term effects of policy choices.

He urged MPs to participate actively, ask questions and share thoughts

The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, said: “The Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government is one of the most significant policy documents in the governance of the nation.

He added: “It is a blueprint containing fiscal policy measures that reflects our collective vision, priorities, and aspirations.”

He emphasised the importance of critical engagement, evidence-based analysis, and constructive dialogue in evaluating fiscal policies and revenue projections.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga underscored the workshop’s significance in helping MPs comprehend both policy statements and financial estimates in the budget.

He stressed that MPs had a responsibility to either approve or reject the budget based on its alignment with national development priorities.

“We all appreciate that it is our responsibility to review, understand, debate, and decide whether to approve or reject the budget. This process is critical to ensuring that government policies fulfill the commitments made to Ghanaians,” Mr. Ayariga said.

He, however urged the Majority Caucus to ensure that the budget aligned with the government’s ‘Reset Ghana’ agenda, aimed at revitalizing the economy.

Minority Leader Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin emphasised the importance of continuous learning in parliamentary governance.

He pointed out that MPs came from diverse professional backgrounds, making capacity-building essential for effective participation in budget debates.

“Understanding the budget’s intricacies allows us to engage in meaningful discussions. For example, if the Finance Minister allocates $1.5 billion to agriculture, but only $924 million appears in actual expenditure—with a significant portion allocated to compensation—MPs must be equipped to identify and question such discrepancies,” he stated.

Mr. Afenyo-Markin commended the Speaker of Parliament for his leadership in organising the workshop and acknowledged the contributions of parliamentary staff in coordinating the program. He encouraged MPs, particularly first timers, to actively participate in the training sessions rather than viewing them as routine meetings.

“Do not walk in and out of sessions. Stay, engage, and build your capacity. This will enhance your confidence in debates and strengthen your ability to represent your constituents effectively,” he advised.

On his part, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson described the workshop as an essential platform for assessing the budget ahead of its approval.

He reiterated that the 2025 budget was designed to “reset the Ghanaian economy for the people of Ghana.”

The annual post-budget workshop had the primary goal of equipping MPs and Senior Officers of the Parliamentary Service with skills required for scrutisnising the Budget and Economic Policy of the Executive arm of government for the 2025 fiscal year.

It also had the objective of providing MPs with insight into the budget, interrogating to provide an effective oversight role that articulated the government’s policies and programmes.

The key expected outcomes would be quality deliberations of the statement on the floor of the House in the ensuing day’s relevant legislation and the ultimate Appropriation Act for the 2025 financial year.

It featured plenary sessions and break-out sessions, covering topics such as the macroeconomic framework, sector-specific details, and taxation and revenue mobilization strategies.

Experts led discussions on key areas, including the IMF Programme, public sector debt management, and policy objectives and targets.

It also enriched Parliamentary scrutiny of the 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to accountable and responsible governance.

While acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, Dr. Forson assured MPs that the government had introduced innovative strategies to address them.

He said: “We recognize that our economy is in crisis, but more importantly, we have put in place innovative strategies and interventions to resolve these challenges.”

The 2025 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of the Government was presented to Parliament by Dr. Forson, the Minister of Finance on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, on the theme: “Resetting Ghana for the Economy We Want.”

Source: GNA

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus in Parliament, Friday made a formal request for Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to participate in the debate on the 2025 Budget, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.

This invitation was based on Article 111 of the constitution, which grants the Vice President permission to take part in parliamentary proceedings.

According to Mr. Patrick Yaw Boamah, NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Okaikwei Central, who made the request, said the Vice President’s extensive experience in the education sector would be valuable in shaping the government’s economic and financial policies.

“Mr. Speaker, the Business Committee has made allocation for Ministers of State leaving out the Vice President who has been very quiet, and it will be very important to have her in action on the floor to debate the President’s economic and financial policy, especially having been a former Minister of Education,” he stated.

Mr. Boamah further emphasised the significance of the Vice President’s participation, citing her historic position as the first female Vice President of Ghana adding, “Mr. Speaker, since she is permitted by the constitution to participate, I will want the Business Committee to amend the Business Paper and have a time allotted to the Vice President to be here.”

This request reflects the Minority’s desire for a more inclusive and representative debate on the 2025 Budget, leveraging the Vice President’s expertise to inform the government’s economic decisions.

Source: GNA

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The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on Thursday laid the Income Tax Amendment Bill, (Act 896) 2025, before Parliament, to abolish the 10% withholding tax on all betting winnings from lottery.

The Bill has been referred to the Finance Committee for consideration and report back to the House.

The Minister, in a brief comment, said the Bill was in fulfilment of the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) manifesto promise to remove the 10% withholding tax on bet winnings, which was imposed by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, with revenue collection beginning from August 2023.

Aside the bet winnings, the Bill would also remove 1.5% withholding tax on all unprocessed gold from small-scale mining, Dr Forson added.

The issue of tax on bet winnings from lottery generated a lot of controversy following the former Minister of Finance Dr Mohammed Amin Adam’s recent denial, saying that the previous NPP government never implemented the betting tax.

However, in an earlier media engagement organised by the minority caucus on the 2025 Budget, Dr Amin Adam apologised for the error.

 The government said the previous NPP government collected a total of GH¢ 80 million from the betting tax.

In September 2023, Mr Edward Gyambra of the Domestic Tax Revenue Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) said the Authority recorded GH¢15 million as monthly betting tax and projected to collect GH¢60 million.

Source: GNA

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The Supreme Court in a 4-1 decision has ruled that Mr Ernest Yaw Kumi, the Member of Parliament for Akwatia, should be heard despite been convicted for contempt of court.

The five-member panel held that it would file its reasons by March 21, 2025.

The Court is expected to hear the application for certiorari and prohibition on March 26, 2025.

The Court gave its ruling after hearing from lawyers of parties in the case. The matter premised on whether it could hear the embattled MP despite the fact that he has been convicted by a Koforidua High Court for contempt. 

Mr Gary Nimako Marfo, counsel for the MP, the applicant in the case, said certiorari and a prohibition application was on the premise that the Koforidua High Court presided by Justice Emmanuel Senyo Amedahe on January 6, 2025, with the filing of an affidavit in opposition to a motion set aside an interim injunction.

According to Mr Nimako Marfo, although an application to stay proceedings was filed and same was served on the Registrar of the Koforidua High Court, the trial Judge did not stop proceedings.

Again, Mr Nimako Marfo said an application for the sitting Judge to recuse himself was put on the court records, but the trial Judge did not stop the proceedings.

He said considering the background leading to the conviction of the applicant, it was clear that the applicant was not heard, and he has since inception challenged the jurisdiction of the High Court in Koforidua. 

According to the MP’s lawyer, the Supreme Court ought not shut its door of justice on the applicant but offer him a hearing.

Mr Bernard Bediako Baidoo, counsel for the first Interested Party, Nana Boakye Yiadom, who did not file any legal submissions, told the apex court that “it leaves the matter to the wisdom of the court.”

The Koforidua High Court convicted Mr Kumi of contempt after ignoring a court injunction and he was sworn into Parliament as an MP.

The MP ran to the Supreme Court following his conviction of contempt.

He went to the apex court to quash his contempt conviction. 

Under the laws of Ghana, if a person is convicted of contempt, he or she has to purge him or herself before being heard by another superior court.

However, there are some exceptions to the rule when it comes to contempt cases. 

Source: GNA

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament on Thursday alleged that the Mahama-led Government has borrowed GH¢73 billion in two months since assuming office on January 7, 2025.

Dr Gideon Boako, the Member of Parliament for Tano North, addressing the media during the Minority’s True Budget Statement at Parliament House, said the Caucus had received report that on Friday, March 14, the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson would borrow an additional six billion Ghana cedis from the domestic stock market to increase the borrowed amount to GH¢79 billion.

He observed that given the alarming rate of borrowing by the government, if care was not taken, it would borrow GH¢200 billion by the end of the year.

Dr Boako expressed shock at the rate of the Government’s borrowing, noting that the Akufo-Addo’s government did not borrow up to GH¢15 billion in 2017 upon assuming office.

He also expressed surprise at the GH¢2.7 billion budget compensation allocated to the Office of the Government Machinery (OGM), noting that the previous NPP government allocated GH¢326 million to the OGM in 2024.

The legislator also wondered how a whopping GH¢78.8 million was located to the Government Communications headed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, which was higher than the budget of four ministries in the previous government while GH¢50 million was allocated solely to the Research Department of the OGM.

Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, the former Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Karaga, said the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government had been using clandestine strategy to manipulate the fiscal data to support its baseless claims of inheriting a badly managed economy from the previous NPP government.

“This is a carefully crafted strategy that been pursued right from the President himself during his message on the State of the Nation and repeated at the National Economic Dialogue.

“The 2025 Budget was, however, going to be the vehicle for confirming what has been perfectly rehearsed to crown the narrative by putting data to the unfounded claims,” Dr Adam stated.

Source: GNA

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Mr Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, former Finance Minister, has sued two police officers for leading a team to raid his residence at Labone in Accra.

Court documents cited by the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday named the officers as Deputy Superintendent of Police Bismark Boakye Ansah and Chief Inspector Mensah, also known as Sir Mensah. 

The two are the defendants in the matter.

The former Minister, according to the documents, was seeking a declaration that the defendants’ entry and conduct of search on his property at Labone, on February 11, 2025, was “trespassory and a breach of plaintiff’s right to privacy,”

“The plaintiff is, therefore, seeking damages for trespass and aggravated damages for breach of privacy.”

“The Finance Minister is further seeking perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, whether by themselves, agents, assigns from entering his property or further breaching his privacy or repeating similar or other conduct against him.”

In his statement of claim, Mr Ofori-Atta held that on February 11, 2025 the defendants, together with some 12 others (thereafter collectively called the ‘raiding team’) without prior notice to the consent of him and bereft of any legal basis, entered his property and conducted an extensive search.

The “raiding team”, comprising the two defendants, nine military personnel carrying assault rifles and other menacing looking individuals in plain clothes, carried sidearms on their bodies, he said.

He said the “raiding team” did not produce any form of warrant nor indicate to his domestic staff the basis for the search but warned them to desist from using their mobile phones throughout the period of “unauthorised operation.”

The plaintiff said his domestic staff, with morbid fear, and intense trepidation, looked on helplessly as the team searched the nooks and crannies of his property.

He said a member of the team who doubled as a videographer, filmed with his cell phone all spaces in the property, including bedrooms, living areas, kitchen and other private spaces.

The plaintiff contended that his domestic staff were traumatised and had sustained varying degrees of severe shock as a result.

The ex-Finance Minister said the raid on his property, which gained notoriety both  domestically and internationally, had not only exposed him to public ridicule, resentment and scorn, but also portrayed him as a criminal.

“This has negatively impacted my hard-earned reputation in the international community,” he said.

Plaintiff said his lawyers had sought confirmation from the offices of the National Intelligence Bureau, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police whether or not the “raiding team” acted at their instance and the purpose thereof, but “no response thereto has been received.”

Source: GNA

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Government has allocated GH¢7.51 billion to the District Assembly Common Fund, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson. the Finance Minister, has said.

Presenting the 2025 Budget Statement in Parliament on Tuesday, Dr Ato Forson said this was in accordance with decentralisation policy objective of the Mahama Administration.

The Minister said the government proposed to Parliament that a minimum of 80 per cent of the funds should be sent directly to the District Assemblies to spur economic growth at the district level and deepen decentralization.

“Mr. Speaker, it is worth noting that this is in stark contrast to what has happened to the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) in recent years where less than 50 per cent of the released amount to the DACF goes to the District Assemblies, with a significant portion spent at the centre.”

The Finance Minister said GH¢100 million had been allocated for the repayment of monthly allowance to all Assembly Members.

Source: GNA

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The Ministry of Finance is seeking the review of 10 Acts to support government’s policies aimed at stabilising the economy and promoting inclusive growth.

The acts include Petroleum Revenue Management Act, 2011 (Act 815); Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund Act, 2014 (Act 877); Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978); Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), 2015 (Act 899); Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 1984, PNDCL 81 (and its amendment) and the Earmark Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947).

The rest are Public Procurement Authority Act, 2003 (Act 663) as amended with Act 914; Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Act, 2000 (Act 581); Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2018 (Act 982) and incorporate into a comprehensive Public Financial Management Act; and Revenue Administration Act, 2016 (Act 915).

Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance, made this known on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday when he presented the 2025 Budget and Economic Policy Statement.

He explained that the Petroleum Revenue Management Act needed to be reviewed for the allocation of all Annual Budget Funding Amount (ABFA) resources to infrastructure projects.

An amendment to ESLA, he noted, would allow for the consolidation of the Energy Debt Recovery Levy, Energy Sector Recovery Levy (Delta Fund), and Sanitation & Pollution Levy into one levy and use the proceeds to cater for the energy sector shortfalls and service the inherited debt obligation.

“Mr Speaker, the rest of the energy sector levies, including, Road Fund Levy, Energy Fund Levy, Price Stabilisation & Recovery Levy, Public Lighting Levy and National Electrification Levy will remain to support the achievement of their intended objectives,” he said.

Furthermore, he said the review of the Earmarked Funds Capping and Realignment Act, 2017 (Act 947) would enable the full restoration of government transfers to the Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC) and reduction of its share of net Carried and Participating Interest (CAPI) from 30 per cent to 15 per cent.

Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Levy (NHIL), GETFund and the Road Fund will be uncapped to receive full allocations.

To support fiscal consolidation, Dr Forson indicated the Public Procurement Act will be amended to provide for an Independent Value-for-Money Office to scrutinise government procurements above a threshold.

It will also make commencement certificates and budgetary provisions prerequisites for all procurements to be paid by the Central Government.

“Government will amend the MIIF Act to ensure the 80 per cent Mineral royalties originally maintained by MIIF is transferred to the Consolidated Fund for infrastructure development,” he added.

Other reforms to be implemented through the amendments included reducing the current tax refund ceiling by two percentage points from six per cent to four per cent of total revenue; reducing the fiscal deficit progressively and the full funding of the free Senior High policy through the GETFund.

Source: GNA

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Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has emphasised Dr Joseph Boagye Danquah’s significant contributions to Ghana’s political development.  

He also called to an end to name-calling and derogatory remarks against the late Dr. Joseph Boakye Danquah, a statesman and one of the Big Six in the history of Ghana.  

His call follows allegations that Tamale Central MP, Murtala Mohammed, recently referred to Dr. J.B. Danquah as a “traitor” and a “CIA operative” during parliamentary proceedings on February 4, 2025.  

This prompted the Coalition for Youth Development in Okyeman to petition the Speaker of Parliament on March 7.  

Speaking at Dr J. B. Danquah’s 60th Anniversary Remembrance Service at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church in Kyebi, former President Akufo-Addo highlighted Dr Danquah’s persistent advocacy for the rule of law as a fundamental guarantee of liberty and individual freedom, which remained pivotal to Ghana’s political trajectory.  

He said Dr Danquah’s persistent call for the rule of law to be entrenched in the country’s body politic was the ultimate guarantee of liberty and individual freedom.  

“Today, it stands as a central feature of Ghanaian politics, which we must never renounce,” he stressed.  

Former President Akufo-Addo launched a compendium of 60 commemorative statements honouring the legacy of Dr J. B Danquah.  

“Despite Dr J. B Danquah’s immense contributions to Ghana’s development, his name continues to be embroiled in needless controversy, both in death as in life,” Akufo-Addo stated.  

Meanwhile, Mr Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader, in an address, condemned the recent derogatory remarks made in Parliament about Dr J. B Danquah.  

He also criticised the invasion of the residence of the former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta and urged Ghanaians to reject hate speech and prioritise national unity to promote development.  

“Since the 1940s, no group of people has suffered a smear campaign as enduring as that against Daddy Danquah and his people. These are individuals who have contributed immensely to public service and the betterment of our nation, yet, they have been maligned beyond measure for their pure and patriotic sacrifices.  

“Let us leave here today with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that democracy is not a gift handed down through history, but a perpetual struggle we must embrace with courage and resolve,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.  

“Let us denounce hate campaigns, regardless of their targets, and put the love and dignity of Ghana and Africa above all differences. What unites us is far greater than the forces seeking to divide and weaken us,” the Minority Leader stressed.  

Source: GNA 

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