Interpol issues red notice for Ghana’s ‘fugitive’ ex-minister
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Interpol issues red notice for Ghana’s ex-minister over corruption allegations.
Interpol Issues Red Notice for Ghana’s Former Finance Minister
Ken Ofori-Atta accused of corruption and declared a fugitive as Ghana ramps up recovery efforts.
Ofori-Atta Declared Fugitive Over Corruption Claims
Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is now on Interpol’s red notice list following his alleged involvement in high-level corruption while in office. The development comes after Ghanaian authorities declared him a fugitive for failing to appear before an investigative panel.
What the Red Notice Means
While not an arrest warrant, the Interpol red notice serves as a request for global police forces to locate and detain individuals pending possible extradition.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct and Cathedral Spending
The 65-year-old is accused of causing financial losses to the state, including irregularities in the procurement process for Ghana’s national cathedral — a controversial project that reportedly consumed $58 million yet remains uncompleted.
Ofori-Atta Cites Medical Absence
According to his legal team, Ofori-Atta is out of the country for medical reasons. Lawyer Frank Davies stated that medical records had been submitted to authorities in good faith, but were dismissed by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
Lawyers Rejected as Legal Representatives
While his legal team offered to appear on his behalf, prosecutors insisted that only Ofori-Atta himself could respond to the charges. “We want him here physically,” Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated, dismissing any option for virtual or proxy participation.
Initial Removal, Then Reinstatement
In February, Ofori-Atta provided a return date and was temporarily removed from the wanted list. However, in March, he filed a lawsuit alleging unlawful treatment and requested the OSP remove his name and related content from its online platforms.
OSP Responds With International Alert
After he failed to return as promised, the OSP reclassified him as a fugitive and initiated the Interpol red notice process, which was confirmed late Thursday.
Anti-Corruption Crackdown Under New Government
Ofori-Atta served as finance minister from January 2017 until February 2024 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The party lost power in December’s election to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) led by President John Mahama.
Operation Recover All Loot Launched
President Mahama has since launched “Operation Recover All Loot,” tasking a new investigative committee with recovering stolen public funds. Over 200 corruption complaints have been submitted so far, with more than $20 billion in allegedly recoverable money.
Mixed Reactions From the Public
While Mahama’s anti-corruption drive has been welcomed by some, critics have accused him of selective justice for discontinuing prosecutions involving former allies.
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