• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 23, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 2 minutes Read

Police crack down on vehicle-theft syndicate

The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested five suspects believed to be part of a criminal syndicate responsible for stealing large sums of cash from parked vehicles across the region.

According to the police, the group operates using two vehicles and strategically targets individuals who have just withdrawn substantial amounts of money from banks.

Providing details at a press conference held at the Regional Police Headquarters on Monday, June 23, the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, DCOP Emmanuel Teye Cudjoe, explained that the suspects typically park one vehicle close to a bank while a member of the group loiters nearby to identify a potential victim.

Once a target is identified, the spotter alerts accomplices positioned in a separate vehicle nearby. They then trail the victim until the person leaves their car unattended, at which point they strike and steal the money.

Using a specific object, the suspects hit the targeted vehicle to force it open from the inside, retrieve the money, and flee in the second car to avoid detection.

• goldcoastnewsline@gmail.com
• June 9, 2025
• 0 Comments
• 4 minutes Read

Ofori-Atta’s family petitions National Central Bureau, CCF for deletion of Interpol red notice

The family of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of abusing its powers in what it calls a “premeditated vendetta” against the former official.

In a statement released on Monday, June 9, the family condemned the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice and declared the OSP’s actions as violations of due process, constitutional rights, and international law.

They have formally petitioned both the National Central Bureau and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) for the immediate deletion of the Red Notice, arguing that it was procured based on manipulated evidence and withheld medical information.

According to the family, the arrest warrant issued for Ofori-Atta on 11 February 2025, citing “using public office for private profit,” was obtained under “unusual circumstances” without a supporting affidavit. They argue that despite the warrant, no formal charges have been filed against Ofori-Atta.

They further claimed that the OSP’s declaration of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice was first made through a media briefing—an act they say has no legal backing and is now the subject of ongoing proceedings at the Human Rights Court, with a ruling expected on June 18.

The family maintains that Ofori-Atta has been undergoing treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States for cancer diagnosed earlier this year, following post-COVID complications dating back to 2021. He was scheduled for surgery on June 13, 2025, and had requested a video-recorded interview in lieu of an in-person appearance, citing medical limitations.

“Rather than respecting the medical records shared and permitting a virtual engagement as permitted under law, the OSP chose to portray a man scheduled for surgery as a fugitive,” the family said.

The statement accused the OSP of deliberately concealing medical evidence and ignoring offers for remote cooperation, instead staging what they called a “public lynching” to humiliate Ofori-Atta.

The family disclosed that a new lawsuit was filed on June 3, challenging the legality of the arrest warrant and the conduct of the OSP. They are also questioning whether the OSP disclosed the pending court proceedings, medical documentation, or the cancer diagnosis to INTERPOL prior to requesting the Red Notice.

“Had these been disclosed, the INTERPOL filing would have violated Articles 2 and 3 of its constitution, which protect the right to health and prohibit political abuse,” the family argued.

Summarising their concerns, the family accused the OSP of weaponizing its mandate for political spectacle, citing a long list of procedural missteps including the suppression of evidence, breach of administrative fairness, and violations of human rights.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta has never fled from accountability. He stood firm before CHRAJ, Parliament, and ECOWAS Court inquiries—and was cleared each time,” the statement noted. “This is not justice. This is vengeance.”

They affirmed that once his treatment and recovery are complete, Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana to face any lawful inquiry, expressing confidence that he will be vindicated.

“We are confident that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights will be restored and when these investigations are completed, he will be acquitted in full view of our entire nation—and justice will find the Hamans.”

Interpol has listed Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, as “Wanted” on its official website.

This development follows a notice from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which re-declared Ofori-Atta as wanted after he failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation on June 2.

Ofori-Atta is under investigation for his alleged involvement in several high-profile cases, including:

1. Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance: Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2. Electricity Company Contract Termination: The termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC).

3. National Cathedral Project: Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the construction of the National Cathedral.

4. Ambulance Procurement: A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the purchase and maintenance of 307 ambulances.

5. GRA Tax P-Fund Management: The handling and disbursement of funds from the GRA’s Tax P-Fund Account.

Source: citinewsroom.com