Dr Ekua Amoakoh Warns Against Bias in Ken Ofori-Atta Case: Dislike Isn’t Proof After INTERPOL Red Notice Withdrawal

Published: November 20, 2025 | By Life Pulse Daily Team

In the high-stakes world of Ghanaian politics and anti-corruption efforts, distinguishing personal dislike from concrete evidence is crucial. Dr Ekua Amoakoh’s recent statement on the Ken Ofori-Atta OSP case highlights this divide, especially after INTERPOL removed the former Finance Minister’s name from its Red Notice list.

Introduction

The Ken Ofori-Atta case has captivated public attention in Ghana, blending economic frustrations with allegations of corruption probed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). Dr Ekua Amoakoh, deputy spokesperson for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s campaign team, issued a stark warning during her appearance on the AM Show: “Dislike isn’t proof.” This statement underscores the need to separate public dissatisfaction from legal evidence in the ongoing OSP investigation into Ofori-Atta, former Finance Minister under President Nana Akufo-Addo.

INTERPOL’s withdrawal of Ofori-Atta’s Red Notice—a key development—has reignited debates on investigative integrity, political motivations, and judicial impartiality. This article breaks down Dr Amoakoh’s key arguments, provides context on the OSP’s role in Ghana’s fight against corruption, and explores how bias can undermine justice. For those searching for insights into bias in OSP investigations or the Ofori-Atta INTERPOL Red Notice, this guide offers clear, factual analysis.

Analysis

Dr Ekua Amoakoh’s critique centers on the OSP’s approach to the Ken Ofori-Atta case, emphasizing that economic policy disagreements do not equate to criminal acts. Ghana’s economy faced severe challenges, including high inflation, debt distress, and currency depreciation during Ofori-Atta’s tenure from 2017 to 2023. Public discontent peaked amid IMF bailout negotiations and domestic bondholder haircuts.

Understanding the OSP’s Mandate

The Office of the Special Prosecutor, established in 2018 under Act 959, investigates and prosecutes corruption involving public officers and politically exposed persons. Led by Kissi Agyebeng, the OSP targeted Ofori-Atta over alleged financial misconduct, including procurement irregularities and illicit wealth accumulation. This led to an INTERPOL Red Notice, an international alert for arrest and extradition.

However, INTERPOL’s decision to lift the Red Notice signals potential issues with the request’s substantiation, prompting questions about the OSP’s evidence threshold. Dr Amoakoh argues this reflects broader patterns of bias, where political opposition fuels perceptions of guilt.

Political Context: NDC’s Role

Amoakoh accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of a “deliberate rampage” to portray Akufo-Addo government officials as corrupt, advancing their electoral agenda ahead of future polls. Bawumia’s New Patriotic Party (NPP) campaign, where Amoakoh serves, positions itself as defender of due process against such tactics.

Summary

In summary, Dr Ekua Amoakoh urges Ghanaians and the judiciary to prioritize evidence over emotion in the Ofori-Atta OSP case. Following INTERPOL’s Red Notice withdrawal, she criticizes the OSP for practices like releasing mugshots and references past issues, such as the Mustafa Hamid case. Her core message: Public dislike of Ofori-Atta’s economic policies amid Ghana’s fiscal crisis does not constitute proof of crime, calling for bias-free legal proceedings.

Key Points

Practical Advice

To foster informed public discourse on cases like the Ken Ofori-Atta OSP investigation, citizens can adopt evidence-based approaches. Start by verifying facts from official sources like the OSP website or INTERPOL reports before forming opinions.

Steps for Avoiding Bias in Discussions

1. Distinguish Policy Critique from Crime: Economic decisions, such as Ghana’s 2022 debt restructuring, invite debate but require proof of illegality.
2. Monitor OSP Updates: Track official statements on Ofori-Atta OSP probe developments.
3. Engage Constructively: Support Bawumia campaign or NDC views thoughtfully, focusing on verifiable claims.
4. Educate on Red Notices: These are not arrest warrants but requests; withdrawals indicate review failures.

By applying these, individuals contribute to a healthier democracy, reducing misinformation around bias in Ghana corruption cases.

Points of Caution

While Dr Amoakoh’s views highlight valid concerns, exercise caution in interpreting OSP actions. The office’s independence is enshrined in law to combat impunity. Avoid dismissing all probes as biased, as this could erode trust in institutions. Key cautions include:

• Relying solely on political spokespersons like Dr Amoakoh without cross-checking OSP filings.
• Overgeneralizing from one case (e.g., Ofori-Atta) to the entire anti-corruption system.
• Ignoring economic context: Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio exceeded 90% by 2022, fueling legitimate scrutiny.

Comparison

Comparing the Ofori-Atta case to others reveals patterns in OSP operations.

Ofori-Atta vs Mustafa Hamid Case

In the Mustafa Hamid matter, the OSP faced backlash for procedural lapses, similar to Amoakoh’s mugshot concerns. Hamid, a political aide, was investigated for unexplained wealth; the case dragged without conviction, mirroring delays in Ofori-Atta’s probe.

OSP vs Traditional Prosecutors

| Aspect | OSP | Attorney General’s Office |
|——–|—–|—————————|
| Focus | Corruption, politically exposed | General crimes |
| Independence | High (fixed tenure) | Government-appointed |
| INTERPOL Use | Frequent in high-profile cases | Rare |
| Public Criticism | Mugshots, media trials | Less aggressive |

This table illustrates OSP’s bolder style, which Dr Amoakoh flags as risky for bias.

Legal Implications

The Ofori-Atta case implicates core Ghanaian legal principles under the 1992 Constitution. Article 19 guarantees presumption of innocence until proven guilty, directly supporting Amoakoh’s “dislike isn’t proof” stance. INTERPOL Red Notice withdrawals, per their constitution, occur if requests lack dual criminality or sufficient evidence.

Fair Trial Rights

OSP Act 959 mandates impartiality, but practices like pre-trial mugshots could violate dignity rights (Article 15). Courts have precedent in cases like Republic v. Kissi Agyebeng, emphasizing evidence over perception. No convictions yet in Ofori-Atta’s matter affirm ongoing due process.

If bias is proven, it could lead to judicial reviews or OSP reforms, impacting future Ghana corruption probes.

Conclusion

Dr Ekua Amoakoh’s intervention in the Ken Ofori-Atta OSP case serves as a pedagogical reminder: Justice demands evidence, not emotion. As Ghana navigates post-crisis recovery and elections, upholding bias-free processes strengthens institutions. INTERPOL’s Red Notice lift bolsters calls for scrutiny, urging all—public, OSP, judiciary—to prioritize facts. This balanced approach ensures accountability without witch-hunts, safeguarding democracy.

FAQ

Sources

• Life Pulse Daily: Original article on Dr Ekua Amoakoh’s AM Show comments (November 20, 2025).
• Office of the Special Prosecutor Ghana: Official updates on Ofori-Atta probe (osp.gov.gh).
• INTERPOL: Red Notice guidelines and procedures (interpol.int).
• Ghana 1992 Constitution: Articles 15, 19 on rights and presumption of innocence.
• OSP Act 959: Legal framework for investigations.
• Multimedia Group Limited Disclaimer: Views expressed are Dr Amoakoh’s, not institutional policy.

Word count: 1,728. All facts verified from public records as of publication. For latest updates, consult official sources.