In a strongly-worded four-page press release dated June 9, 2025, the family of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, has vowed to pursue all legal avenues to have his name removed from INTERPOL’s Red Notice list, following what they call an “unlawful and politically motivated” campaign by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).
The statement, titled “The Family of Ken Ofori-Atta”, challenges the legitimacy of the arrest warrant issued against Mr. Ofori-Atta on February 11, 2025, describing the process as irregular, lacking transparency, and “manipulated by the OSP.” The only stated charge against the former minister is “using public office for private profit,” yet no formal charges have been filed in court to date.
The family accuses the OSP of violating Mr. Ofori-Atta’s fundamental human rights through a public media declaration labeling him a fugitive, despite his willingness to cooperate with investigations while undergoing cancer treatment in the United States.
Allegations of Due Process Violations
According to the family, the OSP ignored Mr. Ofori-Atta’s medical condition and a series of communications detailing his diagnosis and upcoming surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, scheduled for June 13, 2025. They allege the OSP deliberately dismissed offers by Mr. Ofori-Atta to participate in a video-recorded interview to give a cautioned statement—an option he proposed to avoid delaying investigations.
“The re-posting of the Wanted Poster was a premeditated theatrical stunt—a public lynching to portray a man, scheduled for cancer surgery, as a fugitive from justice,” the family said in the release.
They argue that the OSP’s decision to reject the video interview and insist on Mr. Ofori-Atta’s physical presence was not only unreasonable but violated constitutional principles of administrative justice and fairness.
Human Rights Court Case Pending
The controversy has already landed in Ghana’s Human Rights Court. In the case of Kenneth Ofori-Atta v. Office of the Special Prosecutor, the former minister challenges the legality of the OSP’s public declaration, citing breaches of his rights to liberty, health, and freedom of movement. A ruling is scheduled for June 18, 2025.
Despite the pending litigation, the OSP reportedly repeated the declaration that Mr. Ofori-Atta is a “Wanted Man” during a June 2 press conference, leading the family to accuse the office of contempt of court and malicious intent.
INTERPOL Red Notice Disputed
The family has petitioned the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) to review the basis on which the Red Notice was issued. They contend that key contextual information—including Mr. Ofori-Atta’s cancer diagnosis, upcoming surgery, and the ongoing human rights litigation—was likely omitted in Ghanaian authorities’ submission to INTERPOL.
They assert that failure to disclose this information could constitute a violation of Articles 2 and 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which mandate respect for fundamental human rights and prohibit interventions of a political character.
Historical Context and Defense
Defending his public record, the family recalls Mr. Ofori-Atta’s track record of full cooperation with various legal and parliamentary probes during his tenure as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2023. These include investigations by CHRAJ, a parliamentary censure motion, and hearings before the ECOWAS Court of Justice—all of which, they say, cleared him of wrongdoing.
“Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta does not run from justice but always meets justice and successfully defends himself,” the statement declares. “Any claims suggesting that Mr. Ofori-Atta is fleeing justice are out of character, preposterous, and simply not true.”
Awaiting Surgery and Return
The family confirmed that Mr. Ofori-Atta is set to undergo surgery for cancer on June 13, and will return to Ghana once he has completed treatment and recovered. They expressed confidence that upon his return and full participation in the legal process, he will be acquitted, and his rights will be restored.
“The Special Prosecutor’s actions fit into the definition of vendetta,” the statement reads, warning that such conduct “makes the destruction of life a sport for political audiences.”
As the legal and political drama unfolds, all eyes are now on the Human Rights Court ruling on June 18 and INTERPOL’s response to the family’s request for a review of the Red Notice.
