INTERPOL has not removed Red Notice on Ofori-Atta — OSP

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has dismissed claims that INTERPOL has withdrawn the Red Notice issued for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta.

Recent reports suggested that the notice had been removed following arguments by Mr. Ofori-Atta’s lawyers that the request breached key international rules, including restrictions on politically motivated actions and matters relating to procurement and public financial management.

They also reportedly argued that such notices require pre-existing formal charges in a recognised court.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 19, the OSP clarified that INTERPOL has not ruled on the former minister’s application and that the process remains ongoing.

The anti-graft agency said INTERPOL’s Commission for the Control of Files (CCF) had only requested Ghana’s response to the application.

“In October 2025, the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files notified Ghanaian authorities that Accused Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta had applied for the removal of his name from INTERPOL’s Red Notice,” the statement said.

It added that Mr. Ofori-Atta had since filed additional arguments, prompting a second request from the Commission for further responses from Ghana.

“The proceedings are still pending and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files is still studying the case,” the OSP noted.

According to the office, the temporary redaction of names and images from public view during ongoing proceedings may have created confusion, but the Red Notice remains active until a final determination is made.

The OSP urged the public to ignore reports suggesting otherwise, insisting that such publications are “borne of mischief and misinformation.”