The family of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has officially submitted a petition to the National Central Bureau and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) requesting the immediate removal of the Red Notice issued against him.

In the petition, the family strongly rebuked the issuance of the notice by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), citing the move as a violation of due process, constitutional rights, and international law.

They said the OSP is abusing its authority in what they labelled as a “premeditated vendetta” against Mr. Ofori-Atta.

The petition questioned the legitimacy of the arrest warrant issued on February 11, 2025, for allegedly using public office for private profit, noting that it was secured under “unusual circumstances” without a supporting affidavit and that no formal charges had been filed.

Mr. Ofori-Atta's family also criticized the OSP for turning down his request for a virtual interview, despite providing valid medical records to support the request.

According to the family, Mr. Ofori-Atta has been undergoing cancer treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States, following post-COVID complications dating back to 2021. He was scheduled for surgery on June 13, 2025, and had requested to be interviewed virtually due to his medical condition.

“Rather than respecting the medical records shared and permitting a virtual engagement as permitted under law, the OSP chose to portray a man scheduled for surgery as a fugitive,” the statement read.

They accused the OSP of concealing medical evidence and ignoring offers for remote cooperation, opting instead for what they described as a “public lynching” to damage Ofori-Atta’s reputation.

The family further questioned whether the OSP disclosed the pending court proceedings, medical documentation, or cancer diagnosis to INTERPOL before requesting the Red Notice.

“Had these been disclosed, the INTERPOL filing would have violated Articles 2 and 3 of its Constitution, which protect the right to health and prohibit political abuse,” they argued.

Additionally, the family disclosed that a new lawsuit was filed on June 3, challenging both the legality of the arrest warrant and the conduct of the OSP.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta has never fled from accountability. He has appeared before CHRAJ, Parliament, and ECOWAS Court inquiries and was cleared each time,” the statement said.

“This is not justice. This is vengeance. We are confident that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights will be restored and, when these investigations are completed, he will be acquitted in full view of our entire nation. Justice will find the Hamans,” the family added.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has denied receiving a letter from a hospital containing an alleged medical report on former Finance Minister Kenneth Ofori-Atta.

"It is notable that this alleged hospital letter has been circulated through the media rather than submitted to the law enforcement agency actively investigating him and responsible for decisions regarding his return to Ghana."

"To date, no certified medical records or official document from any hospital authority has been submitted to the OSP indicating that Mr. Ofori-Atta is incapacitated or unable to travel to Ghana," the OSP added.

Last week, INTERPOL listed the former finance minister as “Wanted” on its official website, following a notice from the OSP after he failed to appear for a scheduled interrogation on Monday, June 2.

In February, the OSP declared Ofori-Atta wanted for 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.

Later, the legal representatives of the former finance minister informed the OSP that their client is currently undergoing medical treatment in the United States and is unable to honor an invitation for questioning.

Ofori-Atta then assured the OSP of its commitment to appearing for questioning on a fixed date, which influenced the OSP's decision to temporarily take his name off the list in March.

However, the office stressed that he is legally obligated to show up on June 2. Failure to do so, an Interpol Red Notice would be issued and extradition proceedings would be initiated in any country where he may be located.

Ken Ofori-Atta then took legal steps to block the OSP from re-declaring him wanted. His lawsuit argues 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 contends that the OSP’s actions have inflicted serious harm on his reputation and personal life. He is seeking a legal injunction to prevent further declarations against him until the case is fully resolved.

The Human Rights Court has 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.

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.