OSP Seeks INTERPOL Red Notice for Ken Ofori-Atta — What Does That Really Mean?

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has once again declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta a wanted person, effective June 2, 2025.

This marks the second time the OSP has taken such action. Ofori-Atta was first described as a “fugitive from justice” in February 2025 after allegedly refusing to respond to multiple summonses issued as part of ongoing corruption investigations.

The inquiries involve serious allegations linked to high-profile matters, including the National Cathedral project and a revenue assurance contract with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).

In a statement issued Monday, the OSP announced that it has initiated a formal request to INTERPOL for the issuance of a Red Notice to assist in locating and potentially detaining Ofori-Atta, who is reportedly undergoing medical treatment in the United States.

What Is an INTERPOL Red Notice?

A Red Notice is one of INTERPOL’s most powerful international tools. While not an arrest warrant, it is a formal request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally detain a person pending extradition or similar legal action.

There are currently over 6,500 public Red Notices active globally.

To issue a Red Notice, a country must submit a request to INTERPOL through its National Central Bureau (NCB). The request is reviewed by a specialized task force at INTERPOL’s General Secretariat to ensure it:

• Complies with INTERPOL’s rules and regulations,
• Is not politically, militarily, religiously, or racially motivated,
• Does not target individuals granted refugee status.

If approved, the Red Notice is distributed to all 196 INTERPOL member countries, including both Ghana and the United States, where Ofori-Atta is currently based. It includes details such as the suspect’s name, photo, charges, and legal basis for the request.

While it does not compel any country to arrest the individual, a Red Notice often plays a key role in coordinating international law enforcement efforts.

What Could Happen Next?

Should INTERPOL approve the OSP’s request, the decision to act on the Red Notice will rest with the U.S. authorities, who will evaluate it under American law and bilateral agreements with Ghana.

Any extradition proceedings would likely involve Ghana’s Attorney General and Foreign Affairs Ministry, depending on the level of legal cooperation required.

This development adds a dramatic new layer to the ongoing legal and political controversies surrounding Ofori-Atta, who stepped down as Finance Minister in 2024, following intense public criticism over issues of fiscal mismanagement and transparency.