Accra: The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has successfully sought an adjournment in the case involving Ken Ofori-Atta and his co-accused, with the court setting a new date of May 26, 2026, for proceedings. This delay comes in light of the OSP's ongoing appeal against a High Court decision which mandated the Attorney General to assume control of prosecutions initially undertaken by the OSP.
According to Ghana Web, the OSP has filed a stay of execution and a notice of appeal against the court's ruling. The appeal challenges the requirement for the OSP to obtain specific prosecutorial authority under its establishing Act before initiating prosecutions. The ruling deemed the lack of such authority as grounds for invalidating the prosecutions, and directed the Attorney General to take over the cases.
In court, the prosecution informed the judge of recent developments in related court proceedings, specifically highlighting activities in General Jurisdiction Ten (GU10) and the Supreme Court. These proceedings are examining the prosecutorial powers vested in the OSP.
The hearing for the application of stay of execution is scheduled for May 21, 2026, before the General Jurisdiction Division of the High Court. Meanwhile, the defense lawyers agreed to the adjournment, urging the court to ensure a reasonable return date to avoid unnecessary delays.
In the meantime, Ken Ofori-Atta, along with his former Chief of Staff, Ernest Akore, remains at large. Reports indicate that extradition proceedings and summons have been initiated in the United States. The trial involves charges against Ofori-Atta, Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML), and six others, all facing allegations of corruption and related offenses.