The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has again declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person, effective today, June 2, 2025.
This is the second time the OSP has made such a declaration. Mr. Ofori-Atta was first labeled a “fugitive from justice” in February this year, after reportedly refusing to honour several summonses from the OSP.
The summonses relate to investigations into multiple corruption allegations, including matters linked to the controversial National Cathedral project and the revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
In a statement issued Monday, the Special Prosecutor confirmed it has initiated processes to request an INTERPOL Red Notice for Mr. Ofori-Atta, who is said to be undergoing medical treatment in the United States.
How Does an INTERPOL Red Notice Work?
There are currently 6,568 public Red Notices issued by INTERPOL globally. If granted, Mr. Ofori-Atta could be added to this international alert system.
INTERPOL, the world’s largest police organization, has 196 member countries — including both Ghana and the United States where the former Finance Minister is receiving medical attention.
When a member country seeks the arrest or location of a fugitive for prosecution or to serve a sentence, it can request INTERPOL to issue a Red Notice through its National Central Bureau. International courts and tribunals can also request such notices.
Every Red Notice request undergoes scrutiny by a specialized task force at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat. The team ensures the request complies with INTERPOL’s rules and is not politically, militarily, religiously, or racially motivated. The review also verifies that the request does not target a refugee.
Once approved, the Red Notice is circulated to all member countries. It includes identifying details of the fugitive — such as name, photograph, and the offenses they are wanted for.
It is important to note that a Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant. However, it can significantly aid efforts to locate and detain fugitives. Individual member countries decide what legal action to take based on their domestic laws and international cooperation frameworks.
In some cases, fugitives have been arrested and extradited years after a Red Notice was issued.
What Happens Next?
If INTERPOL approves the OSP’s request, it will be up to the United States to decide whether to detain and extradite Mr. Ofori-Atta based on applicable legal and diplomatic considerations. Ghana’s Attorney General and Foreign Ministry may also become involved if extradition proceedings are initiated.
This development adds another chapter to the legal and political saga surrounding the former Finance Minister, who left office in 2024 amid mounting public scrutiny over fiscal governance and accountability.
OSP vs Ofori-Atta in graphics:
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