The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has clarified the circumstances surrounding INTERPOL’s decision to delete a Red Notice issued at Ghana’s request for former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, stressing that legal proceedings against him remain active.
In a press release dated February 13, 2026, the OSP confirmed receipt of a decision by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), which found that the notice did not comply with INTERPOL’s rules on political neutrality and notice processing.
The development follows an earlier public announcement by Ofori-Atta’s legal team, Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners (MPOGG), which stated that the Red Notice had been permanently deleted on the grounds that it appeared to carry a predominantly political character.
According to the OSP, the CCF cited contextual factors existing at the time the notice was issued, including what it described as polarized political commentary by members of current and former administrations, as well as public debate surrounding prosecutorial and extradition procedures.
The Commission also referenced statements by senior officials at the Ministry of Justice acknowledging that extradition could not initially proceed because the case was at an early procedural stage. Additionally, it noted that subsequent developments rendered the Red Notice unnecessary.
The OSP indicated that Ofori-Atta’s location is known and that cooperation with United States authorities is ongoing. It confirmed that extradition processes were initiated following his arrest in the United States on January 6, 2026.
The office further disclosed that summons issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra have been transmitted to the United States for service, requiring the former Minister to appear and respond to multiple criminal charges.
Despite the deletion of the Red Notice, the OSP maintained that efforts to secure his appearance before the court are continuing through established legal and diplomatic channels.
Reaffirming its position, the Office stated that it remains guided solely by law and evidence and is committed to due process in the fair and impartial prosecution of corruption-related offences.
