Interpol Issues Red Notice for Ghana’s Former Finance Minister Amid Corruption Allegations

Interpol has issued a red notice for Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, following allegations of misuse of public office for personal gain. This announcement has sent ripples through the financial and political spheres, as Ofori-Atta was a prominent figure in the government led by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The red notice, a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and detain an individual pending extradition, was issued four days after the Ghanaian Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) re-declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person. The move came after he failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation concerning several high-profile contracts. These contracts involve significant areas such as petroleum revenues, electricity supply, and ambulance procurement. Ofori-Atta is also under scrutiny for his involvement in a controversial national cathedral project, which has reportedly consumed millions of dollars of public funds without significant progress. Despite the issuance of the red notice, Ofori-Atta’s current whereabouts are unknown. Reports suggest that he is seeking medical treatment, but the OSP has rejected requests from his legal team for a virtual interrogation session, citing medical grounds as insufficient. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasized the necessity for Ofori-Atta to appear in person, stating, “We will not countenance this conduct, not in this case.” The prosecutor’s notice, disseminated by the state-run Ghana News Agency, mentioned several possible locations for the former minister, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Guyana, Hong Kong, and the Cayman Islands. Frank Davies, a member of Ofori-Atta’s legal team, expressed frustration with the OSP’s handling of the situation. He noted that medical records had been submitted in good faith, but claimed that the office had chosen to overlook them. “The special prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr. Ofori-Atta is unwell and receiving treatment,” Davies remarked. This development occurs amidst a broader crackdown by the new administration under President John Mahama, who is focusing on holding former government officials accountable for their actions while in office. Currently, the attorney general is reportedly building 33 cases of corruption and related offenses against former government appointees. Ofori-Atta’s tenure as finance minister lasted for seven years, during which he was considered a key player in shaping Ghana’s economic policies. His current legal troubles highlight the ongoing challenges in addressing corruption and ensuring transparency within public office. The financial sector, both domestically and internationally, is watching closely as this situation unfolds, given the potential implications for foreign investment and economic stability in Ghana. Stakeholders are particularly interested in how these corruption allegations might affect the country’s financial reforms and its reputation in the global market. As the story develops, it remains to be seen how Ofori-Atta’s legal battle will impact the broader efforts to combat corruption in Ghana. The international community, including potential investors, will be monitoring the situation for any signs of resolution or further complications. For ongoing updates on this and other significant financial news, visit fintechfilter.com. Note: This article is inspired by content from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/6/interpol-red-notice-issued-for-former-ghanaian-finance-minister. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.