Interpol issues red notice for Ghana’s ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta over corruption claims.
Interpol has officially released a red notice for Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, after serious accusations of corruption and abuse of public office. The notice, requested by Ghanaian authorities, calls on countries across the globe to help find and arrest the ex-minister for extradition.
Ofori-Atta, who served from 2017 to 2024 under President Nana Akufo-Addo, is at the center of a major corruption scandal that has captured both local and international attention.
Millions Missing in Cathedral Project
At the heart of the scandal is a staggering $58 million reportedly meant for building a national cathedral. That project, to date, remains incomplete. Prosecutors claim Ofori-Atta misused the funds during his tenure, leading to huge financial losses to the state.
The accusations have added more weight to long-standing questions about accountability and transparency in Ghana’s top offices.
Declared Fugitive After Skipping Return Date
Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) first branded Ofori-Atta a fugitive in February, shortly after he left the country and failed to respond to summons for questioning. While his legal team submitted medical documents and promised he would return, he missed the agreed date—prompting authorities to revive his fugitive status and request global assistance through Interpol.
Special Prosecutor Demands His Presence
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng was clear in his stance, saying the law doesn’t bend for anyone. He emphasized that suspects cannot dictate how investigations are done and insisted on Ofori-Atta’s physical presence in Ghana.
“We want him here physically, and we insist on it. A suspect in a criminal investigation does not pick and choose how the investigative body conducts its investigations,” Agyebeng stated.
Legal Team Pushes Back Over Health Claims
In response, Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Frank Davies, criticized the Special Prosecutor’s office, calling the fugitive label unjust. He argued that his client has been receiving medical treatment and that the OSP is ignoring valid health concerns.
“We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them,” Davies told AFP.
“The special prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr Ofori-Atta is unwell and receiving treatment.”
Part of a Wider Crackdown
This move comes under President John Mahama’s larger anti-corruption initiative, “Operation Recover All Loot,” which was launched earlier this year. The campaign aims to retrieve more than $20 billion allegedly stolen from public coffers.
However, some critics argue the operation is politically motivated—accusing Mahama’s government of targeting only opposition figures while turning a blind eye to allies.
Mystery Around His Whereabouts
As of now, Ken Ofori-Atta’s location is unknown. With the Interpol red notice in effect, law enforcement agencies worldwide have been alerted to track and detain him for possible extradition back to Ghana.
The case continues to stir debate in Ghana over the balance between justice, due process, and political fairness in corruption investigations.
