The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, has officially triggered a process for the issuance of an INTERPOL red notice, potentially subjecting former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to international arrest and extradition.
The move, announced at a press briefing in Accra on Monday, June 2, comes after Mr. Ofori-Atta failed to honour multiple invitations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) for questioning in relation to ongoing corruption investigations.
“About 30 minutes before this brief, I triggered processes for the issuance of an INTERPOL red notice for the location and provisional arrest of Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta in whichever jurisdiction, pending extradition or his surrender,” the Special Prosecutor revealed.
In addition, the embattled former minister has also been reinstated on the OSP’s list of wanted persons and officially declared a fugitive from justice.
Mr. Ofori-Atta is under investigation for alleged corruption-related offences during his tenure as Finance Minister.
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
– 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 the purchase and maintenance of 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 Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) officially notified Mr. Ofori-Atta that he was a suspect in five separate cases and requested his appearance 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. 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 any specific party), indicating he was undergoing tests and possibly surgery, with no clear return date.12 February 2025
With no further 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 for removal from the ‘Wanted List’ and, for the first time, provided a definite return date in May 2025. The OSP accepted this assurance and removed his name from the list.
Legal Challenge
March 2025
Mr. Ofori-Atta filed a lawsuit against the OSP and the Special Prosecutor, seeking compensation for what he described as an unlawful declaration of him as wanted. He also requested the removal of related content from the OSP’s social media platforms.28 March 2025
The Human Rights Court heard an interim application from Mr. Ofori-Atta, asking the court to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted again.
OSP triggers INTERPOL Red Notice for Ken Ofori-Atta over corruption probe
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