Saturday, 14 February

OSP confirms, explains INTERPOL Red Notice deletion for Ken Ofori-Atta following lawyers’ announcement

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OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has issued a press release addressing and confirming INTERPOL’s decision to delete the Red Notice issued at Ghana’s request for former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, providing additional context after an earlier public notice by his lawyers.

Law firm Minkah-Premo, Osei-Bonsu, Bruce-Cathline & Partners (MPOGG), counsel for Ofori-Atta, previously announced that the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF) had determined the Red Notice appeared to be of a predominantly political character and was non-compliant with INTERPOL’s rules, leading to its permanent deletion.

In its statement dated February 13, 2026, the OSP confirmed receipt of the CCF’s decision and said the notice was removed under INTERPOL’s rules on political neutrality and notice processing.

According to the OSP, the Commission cited contextual factors at the time the notice was issued, including what it described as “polarized political statements from members of current and former administrations about the conduct of the investigation,” as well as public controversy surrounding prosecutorial and extradition processes.

It also referenced public acknowledgement by senior officials at the Ministry of Justice of an inability at the time to pursue extradition due to the early procedural stage of the case.

The commission further observed that later developments made the notice unnecessary.

The OSP said Ofori-Atta’s location was known, cooperation with United States authorities was ongoing, and extradition processes had already been initiated following his arrest in the United States on January 6, 2026.

The OSP added that summons issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra have been transmitted for service in the United States, requiring Ofori-Atta to appear to answer multiple criminal charges.

Efforts to secure his appearance, it said, are continuing through established legal and diplomatic channels.

The office reiterated that it remains guided solely by law and evidence and is committed to due process and the fair, lawful and impartial prosecution of corruption and corruption-related offences.

Source: classfmonline.com