Elvis Darko, Editor of Newscenta newspaper, has raised concerns over the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) media-driven approach to high-profile investigations, warning that it could backfire and tarnish the institution’s credibility.
Darko argued that handling investigations through the media rather than established legal channels undermines public trust and the integrity of the OSP.
“If an investigative body decides to do their work in the media, they risk a lot of reputational damage,” he said. “The media wants to hear it from the court — that the court has ruled. But when it’s just the institution speaking, and not the judiciary, it can end up damaging the institution itself.”
Darko’s criticism comes in the wake of the OSP’s demand for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to appear in person at its offices on June 2 or risk being placed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice list for extradition.
However, Ofori-Atta’s legal team has submitted medical records to both the OSP and the Human Rights Court, explaining that he is undergoing urgent treatment and has a pending surgical procedure, making his appearance impossible at this time.
Responding to public doubts over Ofori-Atta’s health claims, lawyer Frank Davies, a member of his legal team, dismissed any suggestion that the former minister is intentionally evading the OSP.
“If I say I’ll see you tomorrow, and something happens to me tonight, would I still be able to come?” Davies asked. “Why is it so hard for people to accept that the individual has a genuine medical condition?”
He stressed that Ofori-Atta’s health concerns predate the OSP’s investigation and urged the public to refrain from politicizing the issue or questioning the legitimacy of the medical documentation provided.
