Accra: The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has filed both a notice of appeal and an application for a stay of execution, contesting a recent court ruling that questions its prosecutorial mandate.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a court session on Thursday, the prosecution highlighted significant developments in related cases before both the General Jurisdiction Court 10 and the Supreme Court. These developments pertain to the OSP's authority to prosecute and have led to the postponement of a criminal case involving former Minister of Finance Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta and seven others.
The prosecution urged the court to recognize these proceedings, as they directly influence the ongoing case. As a result of the ruling that challenges the OSP's prosecutorial powers, the Office has initiated an appeal process along with an application for a stay of execution, setting a return date for May 21, 2026.
The prosecution requested the court to defer the matter until the application for stay of execution is resolved. Lawyers for all accused parties present, except Mr. Ofori-Atta and his Chief of Staff, Ernest Akore, did not oppose this request. They, however, asked the court to select a reasonable date to prevent continuous postponements.
The court was informed that Mr. Ofori-Atta and Mr. Akore are currently considered fugitives, with ongoing extradition procedures in the United States and summonses issued against them. In its ruling, the court referred to the decision made by a judge at General Jurisdiction Court 10 and acknowledged the two applications submitted by the OSP.
Taking into account that the return date is May 21, 2026, the court decided it was appropriate to reschedule the case to a date following the return date. Consequently, the case has been adjourned to May 26, 2026.