Enayat Qasimi, an international lawyer representing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has rejected suggestions that his client is attempting to dodge justice, insisting instead that the case against him is driven by political motives.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Qasimi argued that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) acted unfairly by issuing a Red Notice against Mr Ofori-Atta, despite being fully aware that he was outside Ghana receiving medical treatment.

According to the lawyer, the former finance minister has never shied away from accountability and remains willing to answer any questions relating to his time in office.

“He is fully committed to complying with the laws of Ghana and prepared to respond to any issues connected to his tenure as finance minister. There has never been any intention to evade justice,” Mr Qasimi stated.

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently facing 78 corruption-related charges alongside seven other individuals over the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority. The charges are based on alleged violations of the Criminal Offences Act and the Public Procurement Act.

Mr Qasimi, however, questioned whether due process and constitutional safeguards are being respected in the handling of the case.

“The real issue is whether his constitutional rights are being upheld. From our perspective, they are not, and they have never been,” he said.

He further maintained that the OSP was fully informed about Mr Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts and medical condition at the time the Red Notice was issued.

“He was in the United States receiving treatment, and this was known. Issuing a Red Notice under those circumstances served no legitimate purpose,” Mr Qasimi argued.

Meanwhile, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, announced on December 18 that Ghana has formally submitted an extradition request to the United States for Ken Ofori-Atta and an alleged accomplice, Ernest Akore, as part of ongoing efforts to prosecute the case.