INTERPOL Issues Red Notice for Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Amid Ongoing Corruption Probe
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Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has officially been placed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice list following a renewed request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). This development, announced on June 5, 2025, intensifies the ongoing efforts to bring the ex-minister to justice over alleged corruption charges.
The Red Notice, which is now publicly accessible, identifies Ofori-Atta as a 65-year-old Ghanaian male born on November 7, 1959, in Accra. Described as 1.7 meters tall with black hair and eyes, he is fluent in English and Twi. INTERPOL lists the charge as “Using Public Office for Profit,” a serious offense under Ghanaian anti-corruption laws.
The OSP believes Ofori-Atta is currently in the United States undergoing medical treatment. Authorities are now seeking global cooperation to locate and provisionally arrest him, pending extradition or his voluntary return.
A Second Red Flag
This is not the first time Ofori-Atta has faced such scrutiny. In February 2025, he was declared a “fugitive from justice” after failing to honor multiple summonses related to high-profile corruption cases. These include ongoing investigations into the controversial National Cathedral project and a revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
At a press conference held on June 2 in Accra, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng confirmed that his office initiated the INTERPOL Red Notice process just minutes before his public address.
“I triggered processes for the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice for the location and provisional arrest of Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta in whichever jurisdiction, pending extradition or his surrender,” Agyebeng said.
Key Timeline of Events
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January 2025: Ofori-Atta is formally notified as a suspect in five cases and summoned for questioning on February 10.
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January 31: His legal team responds, citing an indefinite medical trip abroad and offers to represent him.
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February 5: The OSP rejects this, insisting on a firm return date, noting legal counsel cannot stand in for criminal suspects.
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February 10: A doctor’s note cites ongoing tests and possible surgery, but offers no return timeline.
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February 12: The OSP declares Ofori-Atta a fugitive and issues an arrest warrant.
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February 18: Ofori-Atta pledges to return in May; the OSP temporarily removes him from the wanted list.
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March 2025: Ofori-Atta sues the OSP and Special Prosecutor, claiming rights violations and demanding content removal.
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March 28: A Human Rights Court hears his request to prevent future wanted declarations.
Despite these legal maneuvers, the latest Red Notice signals a significant escalation by the OSP, showing its determination to pursue accountability at the international level.
What the INTERPOL Red Notice Means
A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but serves as a high-priority alert to INTERPOL’s 196 member countries. It requests cooperation in locating and temporarily detaining the subject for extradition or legal proceedings.
INTERPOL reviews each request to ensure it meets strict criteria, confirming that notices are not politically or racially motivated and do not target refugees. Once approved, it circulates the individual’s identity details, charges, and other key information globally.
Broader Implications for Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Agenda
Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 until early 2024, was a central figure in shaping Ghana’s economic policy. His tenure drew both acclaim and criticism, particularly over controversial economic strategies and alleged mismanagement.
This international pursuit underscores the OSP’s commitment to rooting out corruption, regardless of borders or political influence. While it remains unclear how Ofori-Atta will respond, the listing adds significant pressure for him to either return to Ghana voluntarily or face formal extradition proceedings.
The OSP has reinstated his name on its official list of wanted persons and continues to call on the public to share any information on his whereabouts with national or international law enforcement.
