Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta could face an international arrest warrant if he fails to appear before the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) on Monday, June 2, 2025. The OSP is prepared to request an INTERPOL Red Notice, which would place him on a global wanted list if he defies the deadline.
The development follows months of tension between Mr. Ofori-Atta and the OSP, led by Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. On March 17, Agyebeng issued a reminder, following a lawsuit filed by the former minister, that Ofori-Atta must present himself at the anti-corruption agency’s headquarters or face serious legal consequences. Those include being re-listed as a fugitive, declared officially wanted, and flagged globally via INTERPOL.
The case marks a critical juncture in investigations into alleged misconduct during Mr. Ofori-Atta’s time in office under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. The OSP is probing his involvement in five major cases, including controversial contracts, revenue management, and procurement irregularities.
Previously, the OSP had removed him from its wanted list, citing his cooperation. But with the Monday deadline looming and his compliance still uncertain, that reprieve is now in jeopardy.
In an open letter dated February 26, Mr. Ofori-Atta defended his record, emphasizing his four-decade commitment to integrity and transparency. He explained that he had been abroad for medical treatment during the summons period and had authorized his lawyers to communicate with the OSP.
“I was not the originating nor implementing minister in any of these portfolios,” he clarified, adding that his legal team had been ready to supply any needed information while he recovered.
Despite that, the OSP insists only a personal appearance will suffice. Its mandate grants broad powers to investigate and prosecute public officials. Should an INTERPOL Red Notice be issued, it would not only restrict Mr. Ofori-Atta’s travel but could also trigger arrest and extradition proceedings across 196 member countries.
This escalation underscores the OSP’s aggressive stance on corruption, signaling that no political figure is immune.
Key Issues Under Investigation:
- Petroleum & Minerals Revenue Assurance: Agreements involving Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the GRA.
- Electricity Company Contract Termination: The termination of a contract between ECG and BXC.
- National Cathedral Project: Financial and procurement concerns surrounding the controversial project.
- Ambulance Procurement Deal: A deal between the Health Ministry and Service Ghana Auto Group.
- GRA Tax P-Fund: Alleged mismanagement of Tax P-Fund disbursements.
Timeline of Events:
- January 2025: OSP officially names Mr. Ofori-Atta a suspect in five cases; summons him for February 10.
- January 31: His lawyers cite indefinite medical leave abroad.
- February 5: OSP demands a specific return date and warns of legal repercussions.
- February 10: Lawyers provide a vague doctor’s note.
- February 12: OSP declares him a fugitive and acts on an arrest warrant.
- February 18: He offers a return date in May; OSP drops him from the wanted list.
- March 2025: Files lawsuit against OSP over alleged unlawful treatment.
- March 28: Human Rights Court hears interim relief request to block any future ‘wanted’ declaration.
- June 2: Final deadline to appear in person at OSP headquarters.
If Mr. Ofori-Atta fails to comply, the OSP has made it clear: he will again be labeled a fugitive, and a request will be filed for an INTERPOL Red Notice, an unprecedented step in Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts.
