The International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has deleted the Red Notice issued against former Finance Minister, Kenneth Nana Yaw Ofori-Atta, following a decision by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files.
In a press release dated February 13, 2026, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) confirmed that the Commission directed the deletion of the notice under INTERPOL’s rules on political neutrality and notice processing.
According to the OSP, the Commission cited contextual factors surrounding the issuance of the notice, including what it described as “polarized political statements from members of current and former administrations about the conduct of the investigation.” It also referenced public controversy relating to prosecutorial and extradition processes, including acknowledgements by senior officials at the Ministry of Justice that extradition could not be pursued at the time due to the early procedural stage of the case.
The Commission further observed that subsequent developments had rendered the Red Notice unnecessary. It noted that Mr 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 stated that summons issued by the Criminal Division of the High Court in Accra had been transmitted for service in the United States, requiring Mr Ofori-Atta to appear and respond to multiple criminal charges. It added that efforts to secure his appearance are continuing through established legal and diplomatic channels.
Reaffirming its position, the OSP stressed that it remains guided solely by law and evidence and is committed to due process, as well as the fair, lawful and impartial prosecution of corruption and corruption-related offences.
Mr Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister for nearly seven years, was at the centre of Ghana’s fiscal consolidation efforts during the country’s most severe economic downturn in decades. Between 2022 and 2023, Ghana experienced:
- Public debt rising to over GH¢575 billion (over 70% of GDP at peak distress levels),
- Inflation exceeding 50% year-on-year in late 2022,
- A domestic debt restructuring programme affecting more than GH¢200 billion in bonds,
- A $3 billion programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved in May 2023.
His tenure also saw public debate over revenue mobilisation strategies, energy sector debt payments, and the handling of the National Cathedral project’s financing structure.
Civil society groups and sections of Parliament had previously called for greater accountability over public financial management decisions during that period. Mr Ofori-Atta has consistently denied wrongdoing in earlier public statements.