Samoa Addo on Ofori-Atta’s Red Notice: The Need for Clarity in Accountability

The controversy surrounding Ken Ofori-Atta’s INTERPOL Red Notice has sparked debate not only about the former Finance Minister’s legal standing but also about how Ghana’s institutions communicate sensitive matters to the public. At the center of this conversation is private legal practitioner and NDC communications team member, Nii Kpakpo Samoa Addo, who believes the confusion was avoidable.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on November 22, Mr. Kpakpo argued that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) contributed to the misunderstanding by making public pronouncements before its investigative docket was complete.

“If something is not ready, the OSP is enjoined under the law to inform the public as to the progress of investigations. But the practice is that if the docket is not ready, it is not ready,” he said.

The Red Notice Process

The Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files confirmed in October 2025 that Mr. Ofori-Atta had applied to have his name removed from the Red Notice. Ghana responded on October 22, and further communication on November 7 indicated that Mr. Ofori-Atta had submitted additional arguments. Ghana was required to reply by November 21.

During such proceedings, applicant details are often temporarily redacted from public view—a technicality that may have fueled speculation that the notice had been lifted. The OSP quickly clarified that the Red Notice remains active, though under review.

Premature Announcements and Public Confusion

For Mr. Kpakpo, the issue lies in timing. He stressed that announcements suggesting imminent arrest or extradition should only be made when the investigative docket is finalized.

“It is when the docket is ready and they are ready to make an arrest that you break the story,” he explained.

He noted that while the OSP claimed to have issued the alert to restrict Mr. Ofori-Atta’s movement, the impression remained that investigations were still ongoing. This, he argued, created unnecessary confusion.

The Call for Coordination

Beyond the OSP, Mr. Kpakpo highlighted the involvement of multiple agencies in examining issues related to Mr. Ofori-Atta. He emphasized the need for proper sequencing and coordination to ensure accountability without misleading the public.

“At the end of the day, what you want is accountability. You allow one agency to take the lead, bring the person in, and then everybody gets to question the person,” he said.

A Crucial Institution, A Communication Challenge

Despite his criticism, Mr. Kpakpo reaffirmed the importance of the OSP in Ghana’s fight against corruption. He urged the office to align its public updates with the readiness of its dockets, ensuring that communication strengthens rather than undermines public confidence.

Beyond the Red Notice: Trust in Institutions

The Red Notice saga is more than a procedural dispute—it is a reminder of the delicate balance between transparency and accuracy in governance. In a climate where citizens demand accountability, every misstep in communication risks eroding trust.

For Ghana, the lesson is clear: institutions must not only act with integrity but also speak with precision. Public confidence is built when agencies coordinate seamlessly, share information responsibly, and demonstrate that justice is pursued with both rigor and clarity.

In the end, accountability is not just about holding individuals to account—it is about ensuring that the nation’s institutions themselves remain credible, trusted, and capable of guiding Ghana through its challenges with confidence and unity.