The family of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has petitioned INTERPOL to immediately remove the Red Notice issued against him, accusing Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of breaching legal procedures and engaging in a politically motivated campaign.

In a formal complaint submitted to INTERPOL’s National Central Bureau and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF), the family described the OSP’s actions as “a premeditated vendetta,” which they claim disregards due process, violates constitutional rights, and contravenes international legal standards.

The Red Notice was issued following an arrest warrant secured on February 11, 2025, for alleged abuse of public office for personal gain.

However, the family insists the warrant was obtained under “unusual circumstances” and lacked the basic legal requirement of an accompanying affidavit.

They also emphasised that no formal charges have been brought against Mr. Ofori-Atta.

The petition highlights Mr. Ofori-Atta’s ongoing battle with cancer and post-COVID complications, for which he has been receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in the United States since 2021.

He is scheduled for surgery on June 13, 2025.

Despite submitting medical documentation and requesting a virtual interview in light of his condition, the family says the OSP disregarded these appeals.

“Rather than respecting the medical records shared and permitting a virtual engagement as permitted under law, the OSP chose to portray a man scheduled for surgery as a fugitive,” the statement noted.

They further alleged that the OSP withheld medical evidence and ignored multiple offers for remote cooperation, opting instead for what they termed a “public lynching” designed to damage Mr. Ofori-Atta’s reputation.

The family questioned whether the OSP disclosed Mr. Ofori-Atta’s medical condition, pending legal action, and ongoing court proceedings to INTERPOL before requesting the Red Notice.

They argue that had these facts been made available, the notice would have violated Articles 2 and 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which prohibit political interference and uphold the right to health.

In addition, the family revealed that a new legal suit was filed on June 3, challenging both the validity of the arrest warrant and the conduct of the OSP.

“Mr. Ofori-Atta has never shied away from accountability. He has voluntarily appeared before CHRAJ, Parliament, and the ECOWAS Court in the past, and has been cleared in every instance,” the family said.

“This is not justice. This is vengeance,” they added. “We remain confident that when the truth emerges, Mr. Ofori-Atta will be fully vindicated. Justice will find the Hamans.”

INTERPOL listed Mr. Ofori-Atta as “Wanted” last week after he failed to honour a scheduled interrogation on Monday, June 2. The notice followed a request from the Office of the Special Prosecutor, which is investigating him for alleged corruption and abuse of office.