Former Finance Minister Faces Global Pursuit as INTERPOL Activates Red Notice Alert
Former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been placed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice database following a renewed request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), intensifying the state’s pursuit of the former minister over alleged acts of corruption.
The listing, made public on June 6, 2025, provides details on the 65-year-old Ghanaian national, identifying him as a male born in Accra on November 7, 1959. The INTERPOL Red Notice describes Ofori-Atta as 1.7 metres tall, with black hair and eyes, fluent in English and Twi. He is wanted on the charge of “Using Public Office for Profit.”
According to INTERPOL, Ofori-Atta is believed to be in the United States receiving medical treatment. The Red Notice facilitates international cooperation to locate and provisionally arrest him, pending extradition or voluntary surrender.
This is the second time the former minister has been declared wanted by the OSP. In February 2025, he was declared a “fugitive from justice” for failing to respond to official summons regarding multiple corruption investigations. These include probes into the controversial National Cathedral project and a revenue assurance contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
At a press briefing in Accra on June 2, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng revealed that his office had formally triggered the INTERPOL Red Notice process shortly before the media engagement.
“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,” Mr Agyebeng stated.
Chronology of Events
January 2025: OSP notifies Ofori-Atta of his status as a suspect in five separate investigations, requesting his appearance on February 10.
January 31: His lawyers reply, citing an indefinite medical trip abroad, and offer to represent him in his absence.
February 5: OSP rejects legal representation in lieu of personal appearance, demanding a return date.
February 10: A medical note is submitted citing tests and potential surgery but lacks clarity on return.
February 12: Ofori-Atta is declared a fugitive; arrest warrant is issued.
February 18: Following an appeal and proposed May return, OSP suspends the arrest warrant.
March 2025: Ofori-Atta sues the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, alleging unlawful conduct and seeking removal of published notices.
March 28: Human Rights Court hears interim application seeking to bar further declarations by OSP.
Despite the legal back-and-forth, the renewed INTERPOL listing signals a significant escalation. The Red Notice directs INTERPOL’s 196 member countries, including Ghana and the U.S., to assist in locating and provisionally arresting the former minister.
What the Red Notice Entails
A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but serves as a powerful instrument for cross-border law enforcement cooperation. It allows a country to request the provisional arrest of an individual pending legal proceedings, including extradition.
INTERPOL subjects all Red Notice applications to a stringent review process to prevent politically, racially, or religiously motivated misuse. Notices are issued only when they comply with INTERPOL’s rules, including not targeting refugees.
Each notice provides detailed identification data, including personal attributes, language proficiency, and specific charges.
Implications for Anti-Corruption Efforts
The move marks a bold step by the OSP in its efforts to hold high-ranking public officials accountable, regardless of geographic location. Ken Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024, remains a divisive figure. While credited with spearheading key financial reforms, his tenure was also marred by allegations of mismanagement and controversial public spending decisions.
The renewed Red Notice, therefore, not only raises the legal stakes for the former minister but also serves as a litmus test for Ghana’s broader anti-corruption drive.
The OSP has urged members of the public with credible information on Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts to contact national or local law enforcement agencies. His name has since been re-added to the OSP’s official list of wanted persons.
