OSP volating principles of fairness, dignity in Ofori-Atta case-Ansa-Asare
By DL News
Published
1 min read
According to the former Director of the Ghana School of Law, the recent actions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) are veering dangerously away from constitutional norms and the fundamental principle of presumed innocence under A...
A respected voice in Ghana’s legal education fraternity, Kwaku Ansa-Asare, has taken strong exception to what he describes as an “intimidating and aggressive” posture by state authorities in their handling of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.
According to the former Director of the Ghana School of Law, the recent actions by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) are veering dangerously away from constitutional norms and the fundamental principle of presumed innocence under Article 19(3) of the 1992 Constitution.
Prof. Ansa-Asare, speaking on Joy News’ PM Express programme cautioned that although Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation, he remains a suspect—not a convict—and must be treated as such.
He was particularly critical of public comments and tactics that appear to label the former minister as a fugitive.
While acknowledging that the OSP has flagged several concerns in relation to Mr. Ofori-Atta, Mr. Ansa-Asare pointed out that the issues raised are not necessarily offences under the law—at least, not yet proven ones. He warned that such an approach may backfire.
Mr. Ansa-Asare affirmed his view that the former finance minister is being unfairly targeted.
He stressed that his comments were not meant to shield anyone from accountability, but to advocate for a fair and constitutionally guided process.
For the seasoned legal educator, the integrity of Ghana’s criminal justice system hinges not only on outcomes but also on process.
