Former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has been listed on INTERPOL Red Notice database
Ken Ofori-Atta’s family has accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of abusing its authority in what it describes as a “premeditated vendetta” against the former finance minister.
The family said in a statement issued on Monday, June 9, that the OSP’s actions violated due process, constitutional rights, and international law, and that they also denounced the INTERPOL Red Notice.
On the grounds that the Red Notice was obtained using falsified evidence and omitted medical information, they have formally petitioned the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) and the National Central Bureau to have it immediately deleted.
OSP ‘Manipulated Evidence’ for Arrest Warrant
The family claims that the arrest warrant for Ofori-Atta, which was issued on February 11, 2025, on the grounds of “using public office for private profit,” was obtained in “unusual circumstances” and lacked an affidavit to substantiate it. They contend that no official accusations have been brought against Ofori-Atta in spite of the warrant.
Additionally, they asserted that the OSP’s designation of Ofori-Atta as a fugitive from justice was initially announced during a media briefing; they assert that this action lacked legal support and is currently being considered by the Human Rights Court, which is scheduled to render a decision on June 18.
‘Running from Surgery, Not Justice’
According to the family, Ofori-Atta has been receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States for cancer that was discovered earlier this year after COVID-19 problems. He had requested a video-recorded interview rather than an in-person presence due to physical limitations, and he was slated for surgery on June 13, 2025.
“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.
According to the statement, the OSP staged what they dubbed a “public lynching” to degrade Ofori-Atta, purposefully hiding medical evidence and rejecting offers of remote cooperation.
Legal Action and Human Rights Challenge
The family said that on June 3, a fresh lawsuit was filed contesting the validity of the arrest warrant and the actions of the OSP. They also want to know if the OSP told INTERPOL about the cancer diagnosis, ongoing legal cases, or medical records before that Red Notice was requested.
“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.
Vendetta, Not Justice
The family summed up their worries by accusing the OSP of using its mission as a political spectacle, pointing to a long number of procedural errors that included evidence suppression, administrative injustice, and human rights breaches.
“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 expressed their confidence that Ofori-Atta will be vindicated and confirmed that he would return to Ghana to face any legal investigation after his treatment and recuperation are over.
“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.”
Ken Ofori-Atta has been officially listed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice database following a renewed request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The move comes amidst ongoing corruption investigations and intensifies efforts to bring the former minister to justice.
The Red Notice, made public on June 5, 2025, describes Ofori-Atta as a 65-year-old Ghanaian male, born on November 7, 1959, in Accra. He is 1.7 metres tall with black hair and black eyes and speaks both English and Twi.
According to INTERPOL, he is wanted on the charge of “Using Public Office for Profit.” The OSP believes he is currently in the United States receiving medical treatment and is seeking international assistance to locate and provisionally arrest him, pending extradition or voluntary surrender.
This marks the second time the former minister has been declared a wanted person by the OSP. In February 2025, he was labelled a “fugitive from justice” for failing to appear before investigators after being summoned in relation to several high-profile corruption cases. These include matters linked to the controversial National Cathedral project and a revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
KA
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