INTERPOL Deletes Red Notice Against Ofori-Atta After Review of Ghana’s Request
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has confirmed that the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files has ordered the deletion of the Red Notice issued against Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, following a review of Ghana’s request.
In a statement issued on Friday, the OSP said the decision was taken after INTERPOL assessed the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the notice and determined that it did not meet the organisation’s rules on political neutrality and notice processing.
According to the OSP, INTERPOL cited contextual factors at the time the Red Notice was requested, including what it described as “polarised political statements” by members of both current and former administrations regarding the investigation. The Commission also referenced public controversy surrounding the prosecutorial and extradition processes.
The decision further noted that senior officials at the Ministry of Justice had publicly acknowledged that, at the time, Ghana was unable to pursue extradition because the case was still at an early procedural stage.
INTERPOL additionally observed that later developments rendered the Red Notice unnecessary. The OSP explained that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s whereabouts were known, cooperation with authorities in the United States was ongoing, and extradition processes had already been initiated following his arrest in the U.S. on 6 January 2026.
Despite the deletion of the Red Notice, the OSP stressed that legal proceedings in Ghana remain active. It disclosed that summons issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra have been transmitted to the United States for service, requiring Mr. Ofori-Atta to appear to answer multiple criminal charges.
The Office stated that efforts to secure his appearance in court are continuing through established legal and diplomatic channels.
Reaffirming its mandate, the OSP emphasised that it remains guided strictly by law and evidence and is committed to due process, as well as the fair, lawful, and impartial prosecution of corruption and corruption-related offences.