Interpol Issues Red Notice for Ghana’s Ex-Finance Minister Over Corruption Allegations
The international alert—viewed Friday on Interpol’s official platform—comes after Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) formally declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person for failing to appear at a scheduled interrogation earlier this week.
Ofori-Atta stands accused of leveraging public office for personal gain, linked to a series of contentious contracts involving Ghana’s petroleum funds, energy supply deals, ambulance procurement, and the infamous national cathedral project—a venture that has reportedly consumed tens of millions of dollars with little to show beyond a gaping excavation site.
The OSP alleges widespread misconduct, including irregular procurement practices and mismanagement of state resources. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasized the seriousness of the case, stating:
“We will not countenance this conduct—not in this case.”
Despite claims from Ofori-Atta’s legal team that he is undergoing medical treatment abroad, the Special Prosecutor’s office rejected requests for a virtual interrogation, insisting the former minister must appear in person.
“We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them,” said Frank Davies, a member of Ofori-Atta’s legal counsel.
“The Special Prosecutor is not being sensitive to the issues at hand, especially knowing that Mr. Ofori-Atta is unwell.”
Authorities have now initiated extradition procedures to bring the former minister back to Ghana. His precise whereabouts remain undisclosed, though sources indicate he is currently receiving medical care overseas.
Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister for seven years under former President Nana Akufo-Addo. His tenure, once seen as technocratic and reformist, has now become a focal point of an intensifying anti-corruption campaign led by the new administration of President John Mahama.
Mahama’s government is currently building 33 corruption-related cases against officials from the previous administration, signaling a dramatic pivot toward accountability and transparency.
The issuance of an Interpol red notice—essentially a global arrest warrant—marks a significant escalation in Ghana’s anti-graft efforts and places Ofori-Atta firmly in the international spotlight.
