The Human Rights Court has dismissed an application by former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta, who sought to prevent the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) from declaring him wanted ahead of his scheduled appearance on June 2.

His lawsuit argued that the agency’s actions are baseless and unjustified.

Ofori-Atta has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct and corruption, insisting that he has been cooperating with investigators through his legal representatives.

In his court filing, he contended that the OSP’s actions have inflicted serious harm on his reputation and personal life and sought a legal injunction to prevent further declarations against him until the case is fully resolved.

The Human Rights Court adjourned to June 18 for a ruling on the motion filed by the former finance minister seeking to restrain the OSP from declaring him wanted, among other reliefs.

The dismissed application forms part of a series of civil suits he has filed against the OSP and the Republic, either to halt its operations or challenge the issuance of arrest warrants in the ongoing probes.

Mr Ofori-Atta is currently the subject of an active Interpol Red Notice, and extradition proceedings have begun with the relevant authorities to secure his return to Ghana after being redeclared wanted.

He has been accused of causing financial loss to the state in several dealings, which include the following:

Contractual arrangement between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority for the stated objective of the enhancement of revenue assurance in the downstream petroleum sector, upstream petroleum production, and minerals and metals resource value chain.

Termination of a distribution, loss reduction, and associated network improvement project contract between the Electricity Company of Ghana Limited and Beijing Xhao Chen Technology BXC.

Procurement of contractors and materials and activities and payments in respect of the National Cathedral project

Activities and payments in respect of a contract awarded by the Ministry of Health initially commenced by the Ministry for Special Development Initiative to service Ghana Auto Group Limited for purchases and after-sales service and maintenance of 307 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 304 5 CDI Ambulances for the National Ambulance Service.

Payments out of and utilization of the tax refund account of the Ghana Revenue Authority.

The robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy performed on former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been successful, according to reports.

Prof. Mrs. Angela Ofori-Atta, wife of the former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that her husband will return to Ghana after his doctor's approval.

Speaking to Joy News, she noted that Ofori-Atta's absence is not an attempt to escape scrutiny, but a result of his current health condition.

INTERPOL Red Notice

A Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action.

It is based on an arrest warrant or court order issued by the judicial authorities in the requesting country. Member countries apply their own laws in deciding whether to arrest a person.

INTERPOL cannot compel the law enforcement authorities in any country to arrest someone who is the subject of a Red Notice.

Each member country decides what legal value it gives to a Red Notice and the authority of their law enforcement officers to make arrests.