Interpol issues red notice for arrest of ex-finance Minister over fraud, abuse of office
Interpol issues red notice for arrest of ex-finance Minister over fraud, abuse of office
Interpol has issued a red notice for former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, flagging him for arrest over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, according to records reviewed on Friday.
Ofori-Atta is being investigated by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for allegedly misusing public office to benefit personally.
The probe centers on a number of high-profile government contracts, including those tied to petroleum revenue management, electricity supply, ambulance procurement, and the controversial national cathedral project—an initiative that has consumed tens of millions of dollars with little visible progress beyond a large excavation site.
The red notice, which serves as a global alert for law enforcement agencies to locate and detain a suspect, was issued at the request of the OSP.
Earlier this week, the office officially declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person after he failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation.
Authorities believe he may be abroad receiving medical treatment, but his exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Despite medical records submitted by his legal team, the OSP has insisted that Ofori-Atta must present himself in person and has rejected requests for a virtual meeting.
“We will not countenance this conduct—not in this case,” Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng told local media on Monday.
Ofori-Atta’s lawyer, Frank Davies, has condemned the prosecutor’s stance as unreasonable. “We submitted medical records in good faith, and the office has chosen to ignore them,” Davies said.
“The Special Prosecutor is not being sensitive to the fact that Mr. Ofori-Atta is unwell and undergoing treatment.”
The move comes as President John Mahama’s administration intensifies efforts to hold officials from the previous government accountable.
The attorney-general is reportedly pursuing 33 cases involving allegations of corruption and related offenses against former appointees.
Ofori-Atta served as finance minister under former President Nana Akufo-Addo for seven years.
