INTERPOL has removed former Ghanaian Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta from its Red Notice list following the announcement of formal charges by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The Red Notice, which signals a request for international assistance in locating and provisionally arresting an individual, had been issued after Ofori-Atta failed to appear before the OSP on multiple occasions, including summonses related to corruption investigations involving the National Cathedral project and revenue assurance contracts with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML).
He was previously declared a fugitive in February 2025, though his status was temporarily lifted when he pledged to return to Ghana.
Ofori-Atta’s lawyers had challenged the notice, arguing that Ghana’s request violated INTERPOL’s constitution. They contended that the notice was improperly submitted because:
- INTERPOL prohibits politically motivated actions.
- Administrative matters, such as procurement and public financial management issues, are not grounds for a Red Notice.
- The person must already face formal charges in a court of competent jurisdiction.
Following the announcement by the OSP on November 18, 2025, charging Ofori-Atta and seven others with 78 counts of corruption and related offences, INTERPOL promptly removed the Red Notice from its system.
The charges involve conspiracy to influence the procurement process to secure an unfair advantage in awarding contracts and are brought under sections 23(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), and 92(2)(b) of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663).
The High Court (Criminal Division) in Accra is handling the case, listed as CR/0106/2026, with the other accused including Ernest Darko Akore, Emmanuel Kofi Nti, Ammishaddai Owusu-Amoah, Isaac Crentsil, Col. (Rtd.) Kwadwo Damoah, Evans Adusei, and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited.
An INTERPOL Red Notice is not an international arrest warrant but serves to alert member countries, including the United States—where Ofori-Atta is reportedly receiving medical treatment—to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition.
The OSP has indicated its intent to pursue extradition proceedings to ensure Ofori-Atta faces the charges in Ghana.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
