OSP Says It Remains Guided By Law After INTERPOL Deletes Red Notice Against Ofori-Atta

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has responded to the decision by the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to delete the Red Notice that was previously issued against former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta at Ghana’s request. The OSP emphasised that it remains committed to due process, the rule of law and impartial prosecution of alleged offences as legal proceedings continue.

In a press statement, the anti-corruption agency confirmed that it received notification from INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) that the Red Notice issued for Ofori-Atta should be permanently removed from the international police body’s database. The decision follows a review under INTERPOL’s rules on neutrality and data compliance, including a determination that contextual factors at the time of issuance, like public controversy and political statements, influenced the commission’s ruling.

The deletion of the Red Notice means member countries will no longer see Ofori-Atta as a wanted person through INTERPOL’s channels, and his details will not feature in the organisation’s active alerts. Legal experts have noted, however, that this procedural change does not equate to any judgment on the merits of the underlying criminal allegations, which involve investigations into procurement and financial irregularities alleged to have occurred during his tenure as finance minister.

The OSP noted that subsequent developments, including cooperation with international authorities and ongoing extradition efforts following Ofori-Atta’s arrest in the United States, have reduced the practical necessity for the Red Notice. Despite its deletion, extradition and prosecution processes are being pursued through established legal and diplomatic channels.

In its statement, the OSP reiterated that it will continue to be guided solely by evidence and Ghanaian legal frameworks as it proceeds with corruption-related cases, and it dismissed suggestions that the deletion undermines the legitimacy of its work.