Ghana’s former finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has been placed on Interpol’s red notice list. This action follows allegations that he misused his position for personal gain. Ofori-Atta’s current whereabouts are unclear, as he is reportedly seeking medical treatment.
He is under investigation for several high-profile contracts involving petroleum revenues, electricity supply, and ambulance procurement. Additionally, he faces scrutiny over a controversial national cathedral project that has consumed millions of dollars in public funds but remains largely unfinished.
The red notice was issued just four days after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) declared Ofori-Atta a wanted person. He failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation, prompting the OSP to insist on his in-person attendance. His legal team requested a virtual session due to his health concerns, but this was denied.
The prosecutor’s notice, shared by the Ghana News Agency, listed several possible locations where Ofori-Atta might be, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Guyana, Hong Kong, and the Cayman Islands. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng emphasized that they would not tolerate Ofori-Atta’s absence.
Frank Davies, a member of Ofori-Atta’s legal team, expressed frustration, stating that they had submitted medical records to explain his situation, but the OSP dismissed them. He criticized the prosecutor for lacking sensitivity towards Ofori-Atta’s health issues.
This development comes as the new administration under President John Mahama intensifies efforts to hold former officials accountable for their actions in office. The attorney general is currently building 33 cases of corruption against various former government appointees. Ofori-Atta served as finance minister for seven years under former President Nana Akufo-Addo.