Wanted by the State: Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Risks Interpol Arrest

Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, a respected investment banker and Ghana’s former Finance Minister, is at the center of a widening legal storm after the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) reinstated his status as a fugitive from justice for failing to comply with corruption investigations.

Mr. Ofori-Atta served as Ghana’s Minister for Finance and Economic Planning from January 2017 to February 2024 under President Nana Akufo-Addo. He co-founded Databank Group and is a cousin to the former President. His tenure saw major economic reforms amid debt restructuring and fiscal challenges.

OSP’s Investigation and Allegations

In early 2025, the OSP launched investigations into Mr. Ofori-Atta’s role in five major financial and procurement-related scandals:

1. The Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) contract with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)

2. Termination of Electricity Company of Ghana's contract with Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology (BXC)

3. Payments related to the National Cathedral project

4. Ambulance procurement for the National Ambulance Service

5. Utilisation of the Tax Refund Account

Declared a Fugitive, Reprieve, and Reinstatement

On February 12, 2025, after repeated summons went unanswered, the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a fugitive from justice. Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng cited deliberate non-compliance as an obstruction to justice.

However, a temporary reprieve came on February 18, when Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team provided a scheduled date for his voluntary return. The OSP withdrew his fugitive status on the condition that he would appear for questioning.

That appearance was set for June 2, 2025—a date Mr. Ofori-Atta ultimately missed. Consequently, the OSP has reinstated his fugitive status and announced plans to:

• Issue an Interpol Red Notice

• Commence extradition procedures

Lawsuit Against the OSP

In response, Mr. Ofori-Atta has filed a legal suit against the OSP, challenging the legality of his fugitive declaration. His legal counsel argues that the OSP’s actions violate his constitutional rights, citing ongoing health concerns that allegedly prevent his return.

Consequences of Continued Non-Cooperation

If Mr. Ofori-Atta maintains his current stance, he could face a string of legal and reputational consequences:

• International Extradition: Via Interpol Red Notice

• Trial in Absentia: The OSP may proceed without his presence

• Asset Freezes: To recover possible misappropriated funds

• Reputational Damage: Both locally and globally

• Political Fallout: Impacting perceptions of accountability under previous administrations

A Test of Rule of Law in Ghana

The case raises larger questions about anti-corruption enforcement in Ghana, especially when it involves high-ranking officials. Critics warn that failure to enforce compliance may set a dangerous precedent, undermining the credibility of justice institutions.

Mr. Ofori-Atta’s conduct—and the state’s response—will likely shape Ghana’s anti-corruption legacy for years to come. As legal proceedings unfold, public attention remains fixed on whether the former Finance Minister will return voluntarily or be forced to face justice through international cooperation.