……By January 2026, Mr. Ofori‑Atta’s whereabouts were known, cooperation between Ghanaian and U.S. authorities was active, and formal extradition steps were already underway.-Interpol
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has confirmed that INTERPOL has deleted the Red Notice issued for former Finance Minister Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori‑Atta, following a detailed review by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files (CCF). The decision, transmitted to Ghana this week, marks a significant development in an already complex and politically charged corruption case that has drawn intense public scrutiny at home and abroad.
According to the OSP, the CCF concluded that the Red Notice could not stand under INTERPOL’s strict rules on political neutrality. The Commission pointed to the highly polarized environment in which the request was made, noting that public commentary from figures in both the current and former administrations had created a climate capable of influencing perceptions of the investigation. The CCF also referenced the public controversy surrounding the prosecutorial and extradition processes, including statements from senior officials at Ghana’s Ministry of Justice acknowledging that extradition could not be pursued at the early procedural stage when the notice was first issued.
The Commission further determined that the notice had become unnecessary due to subsequent developments. By January 2026, Mr. Ofori‑Atta’s whereabouts were known, cooperation between Ghanaian and U.S. authorities was active, and formal extradition steps were already underway. His arrest in the United States on 6 January 2026 effectively rendered the Red Notice redundant, as the mechanisms for securing his appearance before a Ghanaian court were already in motion.
The OSP confirmed that the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra has issued summons requiring Mr. Ofori‑Atta to appear and answer multiple criminal charges. These summons have been formally transmitted for service in the United States, and Ghanaian authorities say efforts to secure his appearance are continuing through established legal and diplomatic channels. The withdrawal of the Red Notice, the OSP emphasized, does not halt or weaken the ongoing criminal proceedings.
In its statement, the Office of the Special Prosecutor underscored that its mandate remains anchored in law, evidence, and due process. The OSP reaffirmed its commitment to fair, lawful, and impartial prosecution of corruption and corruption‑related offences, insisting that its work will continue without fear, favor, or political influence.
The decision by INTERPOL adds a new layer to a case that has already captured national attention, raising questions about political rhetoric, international cooperation, and the delicate balance between public accountability and procedural integrity. As Ghana continues its efforts to bring Mr. Ofori‑Atta before the courts, the OSP maintains that the legal process remains firmly on course.
Issued 13 February 2026, the statement signals that while the international notice has been withdrawn, the pursuit of justice in Ghana’s courts is far from over.
