Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Declared Wanted by Interpol Over Corruption Allegations

Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s former Finance Minister, is now on Interpol’s Red Notice list after failing to appear for questioning by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) over corruption-related investigations.

The OSP has declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive after several failed attempts to get him to show up for a scheduled interview on June 2, 2025.

Why He Is Wanted

Mr. Ofori-Atta is being investigated for possible corruption in five major areas during his time as Finance Minister:

1. Oil and Minerals Revenue Deals – including a contract between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).

2. Electricity Contract Termination – a cancelled deal between the Electricity Company of Ghana and Chinese firm BXC.

3. National Cathedral Project – how money and contracts were handled.

4. Ambulance Procurement – a contract involving 307 ambulances.

5. Tax Fund Use – how the GRA’s Tax P-Fund was managed.

What Happened

In January 2025, the OSP told Mr. Ofori-Atta to come in for questioning. His lawyers said he was abroad for medical reasons and couldn’t return anytime soon. The OSP insisted on a specific return date, but none was given. Instead, his lawyers submitted a doctor’s note saying he might have surgery in March.

The OSP found this vague and unacceptable. So on February 12, 2025, Mr. Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive and placed on the “wanted” list.

Later in February, Mr. Ofori-Atta gave a new return date in May, which the OSP accepted, and his name was temporarily removed from the wanted list. He was scheduled to appear at the OSP on June 2, 2025.

More Delays and Final Action

However, just days before the meeting, his lawyers said he had been diagnosed with cancer and needed surgery on June 13, meaning he couldn’t attend. They suggested a video interview instead.

The OSP refused this offer, saying Mr. Ofori-Atta had plenty of time to inform them earlier if his situation had changed. They also noted he had not provided any solid medical proof that he was too ill to travel.

Final Decision

On June 2, when Mr. Ofori-Atta failed to appear, the OSP declared him a fugitive again. They added him back to the wanted list and requested help from Interpol to locate and arrest him wherever he may be.

The OSP has also started the process to extradite him back to Ghana for questioning. Charges may follow, whether or not he returns voluntarily.

What This Means

The Special Prosecutor, Kissi Agyebeng, said no one is above the law — no matter their status or health. He said Mr. Ofori-Atta’s refusal to cooperate shows he has no intention of returning on his own.

“We want him here physically, and we insist on it,” said Mr. Agyebeng. “He cannot decide how investigations should be done.”

The case is ongoing and may soon lead to official criminal charges.