Interpol issued a red notice for Ghana’s ex-finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta over corruption allegations amid ongoing investigations and extradition efforts.

Interpol has officially issued a "red notice" for Ghana's former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, according to records available on Interpol’s website as of Friday. This development comes amid serious allegations that he misused his public office for personal enrichment. The issuance of this international alert highlights the growing pressure on Ofori-Atta as investigations into his conduct intensify.

Ofori-Atta is currently under scrutiny in connection with a number of high-profile government contracts that have raised questions over transparency and proper procedure. Among these contracts are deals linked to the management of Ghana’s petroleum revenues, the supply of electricity to the national grid, procurement of ambulances, and a highly contentious national cathedral project. Despite the government having allocated and spent tens of millions of dollars on this cathedral initiative, progress has been minimal, with the site largely remaining a sizable excavation with little visible construction work to show.

The red notice issued by Interpol is the direct result of a formal request made by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). This office, charged with investigating corruption and financial crimes, re-declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person on Monday after he failed to show up for a scheduled interrogation. The failure to attend the interrogation further escalated the urgency of locating and bringing him to account.

Currently, extradition proceedings are reported to be underway in an effort to facilitate Ofori-Atta’s return to Ghana. However, the exact location of the former finance minister is not publicly known, as he is believed to be abroad receiving medical treatment. This has complicated efforts by Ghanaian authorities to immediately secure his presence for questioning and potential prosecution.

A red notice functions as an international alert issued by Interpol to law enforcement agencies across the globe, requesting the arrest of a suspect pending extradition or similar legal action. It does not equate to an international arrest warrant, but it significantly increases the pressure on the individual by alerting police and border agencies worldwide.

The OSP’s investigation covers a wide array of alleged misconduct, ranging from irregularities in procurement processes to outright financial mismanagement and abuse of public office. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng made clear to local media on Monday that the office will not tolerate such behavior, emphasizing that the investigation is being pursued with full rigor. “We will not countenance this conduct, not in this case,” Agyebeng stated firmly.

Despite repeated calls for Ofori-Atta to attend in person, the Office of the Special Prosecutor has rejected appeals by the former minister’s legal team to conduct his interrogation virtually due to medical reasons. The insistence on a physical appearance underlines the seriousness with which the prosecutors are approaching the case and their intent to ensure that the investigation follows due legal process without any perceived leniency.

Members of Ofori-Atta’s defense team have expressed their dissatisfaction with the special prosecutor’s approach. Frank Davies, a lawyer representing Ofori-Atta, criticized the office for disregarding medical documentation submitted on behalf of their client. Speaking to AFP on Friday shortly after the red notice was issued, Davies stated, “We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them.” He further argued that the special prosecutor was lacking sensitivity given that Mr. Ofori-Atta is reportedly unwell and undergoing medical treatment.

The current government administration, led by President John Mahama, has been actively pursuing former government officials to hold them accountable for their time in office. The attorney-general’s office is currently compiling 33 cases involving corruption and related offenses against former government appointees. This crackdown reflects a broader effort to restore public confidence and ensure that those who have misused their positions face justice.

Ken Ofori-Atta served as the finance minister under former president Nana Akufo-Addo for seven years. His tenure was marked by significant economic policies and reforms, but the allegations against him have cast a shadow over his legacy, prompting intensified investigations and international legal actions.