Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has recently been added to INTERPOL’s Red Notice database following a renewed request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). This development comes as part of ongoing corruption investigations and efforts to hold Ofori-Atta accountable for his actions.
The Red Notice, which was made public on June 6, 2025, provides details about Ofori-Atta, describing him as a 65-year-old Ghanaian male born on November 7, 1959, in Accra. He is 1.7 meters tall with black hair and black eyes, and is fluent in both English and Twi.
INTERPOL has specified that Ofori-Atta is wanted on the charge of “Using Public Office for Profit.” The OSP believes that he is currently in the United States receiving medical treatment and is seeking international assistance to locate and provisionally arrest him for extradition or voluntary surrender.
This is not the first time that Ofori-Atta has been sought by the OSP. In February 2025, he was labeled a “fugitive from justice” for failing to appear before investigators after being summoned in connection to various high-profile corruption cases, including issues related to the National Cathedral project and a revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
At a press briefing in Accra on June 2, the Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, announced that the process for the INTERPOL Red Notice had been initiated just 30 minutes prior to the public announcement. Agyebeng stated, “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.”
Despite legal challenges and a lawsuit filed by Ofori-Atta against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor in March 2025, the OSP’s decision to issue the Red Notice signals a significant escalation in efforts to bring Ofori-Atta to justice. The public Red Notice calls on law enforcement agencies in INTERPOL’s 196 member countries, including Ghana and the U.S., to locate and provisionally detain the former minister.
A Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but serves as a crucial tool for international police cooperation. It allows member states to request the location and provisional arrest of a fugitive for prosecution or to serve a sentence. INTERPOL reviews all requests to ensure they comply with its rules and are not politically, religiously, or racially motivated.
The implications of Ofori-Atta’s listing on the Red Notice database are significant for Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts. As a former Finance Minister, Ofori-Atta’s tenure was marked by both praise and criticism, including allegations of financial mismanagement and controversial policy decisions. The OSP’s determination to pursue accountability beyond Ghana’s borders underscores its commitment to combatting corruption.
As the international community awaits Ofori-Atta’s response to the Red Notice, the Special Prosecutor encourages individuals with relevant information to contact national or local police. Ofori-Atta’s name has also been reinstated on the OSP’s official list of wanted persons.
In conclusion, the listing of Ken Ofori-Atta on INTERPOL’s Red Notice database represents a significant step in the fight against corruption in Ghana. The OSP’s actions demonstrate a commitment to holding accountable those who misuse public office for personal gain, regardless of their location.
