"We will ensure INTERPOL red notice listing Ofori-Atta as fugitive Is withdrawn, deleted" – Family vows

The Family of former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has vowed to ensure that the INTERPOL Red Notice listing him as a fugitive is withdrawn and permanently deleted, describing the move as unlawful and politically motivated.

In a strongly-worded press statement issued on Monday, June 9, 2025, the family accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of abusing its powers, violating Ofori-Atta’s fundamental human rights, and manipulating Ghana’s judicial process to secure an arrest warrant under questionable circumstances.

Arrest Warrant Based on “Manipulated Evidence”

According to the statement, the OSP secured an arrest warrant dated February 11, 2025, under the vague charge of “using public office for private profit,” but without filing the legally required affidavit—a critical step under Ghanaian law.

Despite this, the warrant was served on INTERPOL through the Ghana Police Service, leading to the controversial Red Notice.

“The OSP may have manipulated evidence to procure an arrest warrant under unusual and irregular circumstances,” the family asserted.

“The public must know that the warrant lacked a supporting affidavit, raising serious legal and ethical concerns.”

They revealed that the legitimacy of the warrant is being contested in court, while also confirming that the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Ghana has been notified of the irregularities.

Violation of Human Rights and Due Process

The family decried what they described as the OSP’s repeated violation of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s constitutional rights through public declarations that he is a fugitive—despite no formal charges being filed at the time and ongoing legal processes to challenge the arrest.

“This public branding of Mr. Ofori-Atta as a wanted man, especially via press briefings, constitutes a blatant violation of his rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and health,” the family stated, referencing an active suit at the Human Rights Court titled Ken Ofori-Atta v. OSP.

OSP Ignored Medical Evidence

Highlighting Mr. Ofori-Atta’s medical condition, the family said he has been receiving long-term treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S. and recently received a cancer diagnosis requiring surgery scheduled for June 13, 2025.

Despite notifying the OSP and offering to participate in a video-recorded interview to assist investigations, the OSP refused the request.

The family called the OSP’s refusal to allow a virtual interview “unreasonable and cruel,” especially given that such methods have previously been accepted by the office in other cases.

“Theatrical Stunt” and Media Trials

The family also criticized the OSP’s decision to repost Mr. Ofori-Atta’s “wanted” poster on June 2, describing it as a “theatrical stunt” meant to humiliate a man fighting for his life.

“This is not justice. It is a calculated attempt to publicly lynch a man who has cooperated fully with every legal and institutional process during and after his tenure,” the statement noted.

Appeal to INTERPOL and Ongoing Legal Actions

The family disclosed that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team has formally petitioned the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) to assess whether the OSP disclosed all relevant facts—especially his medical status and pending legal suits—when submitting the Red Notice request.

They contend that the lack of transparency may violate Articles 2 and 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which commit member states to uphold human rights and refrain from political persecution.

History of Cooperation

Insisting that Mr. Ofori-Atta has nothing to hide, the family pointed to his history of cooperation with state institutions, including the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Parliament, and even the ECOWAS Court, where he was never found culpable.

“Accusations that he is fleeing justice are entirely unfounded,” the family stressed. “Once his surgery and recovery are complete, Mr. Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana and face the OSP.”

They concluded by expressing confidence that justice will prevail and pledged to continue all legal efforts—both domestic and international—to clear Mr. Ofori-Atta’s name and secure the removal of the Red Notice.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith