Accra, Ghana//-A timeline of events available to report suggests that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta could be placed on an INTERPOL Red Notice if he fails to show up at the Office of the Special Prosecutor on June 2, 2025.
Failure to comply, the OSP warned, will result in immediate reinstatement on its wanted persons list, official declaration as a fugitive from justice, and the initiation of an INTERPOL Red Notice, potentially triggering international arrest and extradition proceedings.
This highlights the intensifying scrutiny on Mr. Ofori-Atta amidst ongoing investigations into alleged corruption and abuse of office during his tenure.
The OSP is investigating Mr Ofori-Atta over five major issues during his time in office under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Mr. Ofori-Atta was previously removed from the OSP’s wanted list, a decision authorities had then attributed to his “significant cooperation” with the anti-graft body.
However, that status now appears precarious as the Monday deadline looms.
In an open letter dated February 26, Mr Ofori-Atta responded, stating that throughout his 40-year career, he had upheld integrity and transparency.
Expressing frustration over the pronouncements, he said he was out of the country at the time of the invitations and willing to cooperate once he returns.
“I was not the originating or implementing minister in any of these portfolios. I immediately responded through my lawyers, indicating my willingness to have them provide him with any information he may require to aid in his investigation, given that I will be out of the country for the next few months for medical reasons,” he added.
This development escalates a high-profile case that has gripped public attention.
The OSP, under its mandate to combat corruption in Ghana, possesses broad powers to investigate and prosecute offences involving public officials.
An INTERPOL Red Notice, a global alert to seek the location and arrest of a person wanted for prosecution or to serve a sentence, would place immense international pressure on the former minister.
Such a notice would be circulated to all 196 INTERPOL member countries, significantly restricting his international travel and potentially leading to his arrest in any jurisdiction.
The OSP’s uncompromising stance signals a determined effort to pursue all avenues in its anti-corruption drive.
The outcome of Monday’s deadline is now keenly anticipated, with profound implications for both Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal standing and Ghana’s ongoing fight against corruption.
Key Issues Under Investigation:
- Petroleum and Minerals Revenue Assurance:
Contractual arrangements between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). - Electricity Company Contract Termination:
The termination of a contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC). - National Cathedral Project:
Procurement procedures and financial transactions related to the National Cathedral. - Ambulance Procurement:
A Ministry of Health contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchasing and maintaining 307 ambulances. - GRA Tax P-Fund Management:
Handling and disbursement of funds from the Tax P-Fund Account of the GRA.
Timeline of Events
- January 2025:
The OSP officially notified Mr Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and asked him to appear in person on 10 February 2025.
- 31 January 2025:
His lawyers informed the OSP that he was abroad indefinitely for medical reasons and offered to represent him in his absence.
- 5 February 2025:
The OSP rejected the claim of indefinite absence and demanded a firm return date by 10 February 2025, warning of legal consequences for failure to comply. It also reminded that legal representatives cannot respond to criminal charges on behalf of clients.
- 10 February 2025:
His lawyers submitted a doctor’s note (not addressed to anyone specific) stating he was undergoing tests and possibly surgery, with no clear return date.
- 12 February 2025:
With no cooperation, the OSP declared Mr Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice, acting on an arrest warrant.
- 18 February 2025:
Mr Ofori-Atta appealed to the OSP to remove his name from the ‘Wanted List’ and, for the first time, provided a definite return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted his assurance and subsequently took his name off the list
Legal Challenge
- March 2025:
Mr Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he called an unlawful declaration of him as wanted, and asked for the removal of related publications from the OSP’s social media.
- 28 March 2025:
The Human Rights Court heard an interim application from Mr Ofori-Atta, asking that the OSP be barred from declaring him wanted again.
Next Steps
- 2 June 2025:
Mr Ofori-Atta is expected to report in person to the OSP headquarters.
- The OSP has stated that if he fails to appear, his name will be added back to the list of wanted persons, and he will again be declared a fugitive from justice.
In such a case, the OSP will also begin the process to request an INTERPOL Red Notice against him.
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