Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to provide a clear explanation for its insistence on the physical presence of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in ongoing legal proceedings.
During an appearance on Joy FM’s News Night on Monday, June 2, Mr. Kpebu pointed out that while the OSP has initiated extradition proceedings and issued an Interpol Red Notice against Mr. Ofori-Atta, it has not sufficiently clarified why it dismisses the option of a video conference, particularly in light of the Mutual Legal Assistance Act, 2010 (Act 807).
“If you simply state that you require him to be present, you need to articulate the reasons,” Mr. Kpebu remarked.
“Given that we have a law allowing for video conferencing—if you choose to ignore that law or refuse to utilize it—there should be well-articulated reasons for doing so.”
The legal team representing the former Finance Minister has raised health issues, including a cancer diagnosis and upcoming surgery, as factors preventing his return to Ghana.
Mr. Ofori-Atta’s attorneys have suggested a virtual interview as an alternative. However, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has turned down this proposal, insisting on his physical presence after he did not appear by the June 2 deadline.
The OSP has asserted that individuals involved in criminal investigations must appear in person, and that legal representation or virtual interviews cannot replace physical attendance.
Additionally, the office has begun procedures for an Interpol Red Notice to aid in Mr. Ofori-Atta’s arrest and extradition. Mr. Kpebu emphasized that if the Special Prosecutor plans to bypass established legal options like video testimony or mutual legal assistance, the public is entitled to a clear and lawful rationale for that choice.
Nevertheless, Mr. Kpebu expressed that, in principle, he does not oppose the OSP’s decision to declare Mr. Ofori-Atta wanted.
Source: HotFmOnline.com
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