Ofori-Atta/SML case pushed to Feb 26 as OSP cites service and disclosure gaps
The sitting slated for Wednesday was meant to be a case management conference (CMC), where the judge would typically set timelines, agree trial directions, and lock in how the matter will be run.
The High Court has adjourned the criminal proceedings involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and seven other accused persons to February 26, after prosecutors said they still need time to tidy up key pre-trial steps.
The sitting slated for Wednesday was meant to be a case management conference (CMC), where the judge would typically set timelines, agree trial directions, and lock in how the matter will be run. That conference, however, did not take off because the prosecution had not met two foundational requirements:
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) told the court it has not yet served summons on Mr Ofori-Atta and Ernest Darko Akore, both described as fugitives from justice and currently outside Ghana. Because they are abroad, the OSP said service must be channelled through the Attorney-General’s Department, and those external processes are still underway.
Beyond summons, the prosecution is also required to file and serve disclosure materials before the CMC can properly happen. Although some disclosures have been filed, the OSP said not all have reached the defence, making it premature to begin CMC directions.
On the OSP’s request for additional time, the court adjourned the matter to February 26, expecting that by then service on the two accused persons will be concluded through the required channels, and all outstanding disclosure documents will be filed and served so the CMC can proceed.
The prosecution originates from charges filed in November 2025, centred on alleged corruption and corruption-related offences, including issues tied to contracts involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and associated procurement activity.
The eight accused persons are:
Ken Ofori-Atta
Ernest Darko Akore
Emmanuel Kofi Nti
Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah
Isaac Crentsil
Kwadwo Damoah
Evans Adusei
Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML)
Prosecutors allege the accused persons’ conduct led to substantial loss to the state, citing unlawful payments, procurement breaches, and related infractions linked to government contracts between 2018 and 2024.
