Written by Lisa Murimi
Interpol has issued a red notice for Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, following allegations of corruption and misuse of public office.
The notice, requested by Ghanaian prosecutors, seeks international assistance in locating and detaining Ofori-Atta pending extradition.
Ofori-Atta, who served from 2017 to 2024 under President Nana Akufo-Addo, is accused of causing significant financial losses to the state.
Notably, he is alleged to have misused $58 million intended for a national cathedral project that remains incomplete.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) initially declared Ofori-Atta a fugitive in February after he left the country and failed to appear for questioning.
Although his legal team provided medical documentation and assured his return, he did not meet the agreed-upon date, leading to the reinstatement of his fugitive status and the subsequent Interpol red notice.
“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 said.
Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Frank Davies, criticized the OSP’s actions, stating that the declaration infringes upon his client’s rights, especially given his medical condition.
“We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them,” Mr 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.”
This development is part of President John Mahama’s broader anti-corruption initiative, “Operation Recover All Loot,” launched in January.
The campaign aims to recover over $20 billion in alleged stolen state funds. However, critics argue that the initiative has selectively targeted opposition figures while overlooking allies of the current administration.
Ofori-Atta’s current whereabouts remain unknown. The Interpol red notice serves as a global alert to law enforcement agencies to locate and detain him for potential extradition to Ghana.
