Ofori-Atta family accuses Special Prosecutor of rights violations, calls for red notice withdrawal
The family of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has publicly accused the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) of abusing its administrative powers and violating his fundamental human rights in the course of an ongoing investigation.
In a press statement, the family demanded the withdrawal of the INTERPOL Red Notice issued against Mr. Ofori-Atta and confirmed that they have petitioned both the National Central Bureau and the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files for its deletion.
The family raised several serious allegations against the OSP, including
- Manipulation and suppression of evidence
- Violation of fundamental rights, including access to healthcare
- Disregard for due process and ongoing judicial proceedings
- Breach of administrative justice
According to the statement, the OSP declared Mr. Ofori-Atta a wanted person during a February 2025 media briefing, allegedly based on manipulated evidence that led to an arrest warrant dated February 11, 2025, citing “Using public office for private profit.” The family questioned how this warrant was secured without a supporting affidavit, despite active court proceedings.
Mr. Ofori-Atta subsequently filed a suit—Kenneth Ofori-Atta vs OSP—at the Human Rights Court, challenging the legality of the media declaration and alleging violations of his rights to liberty, freedom of movement, and access to medical care.
The family expressed particular concern over the OSP’s reposting of the “Wanted” notice on June 2, despite prior notification of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s cancer diagnosis and scheduled surgery at the Mayo Clinic on June 13. They argued that he had proposed a Video Recorded Interview (VRI), supported by medical evidence including a biopsy result from March 21.
Describing the reposting as “a premeditated theatrical stunt” and “public lynching,” the family stressed that Mr. Ofori-Atta has consistently cooperated with legal authorities, including submitting documentation and offering to appear virtually.
The press release outlined a timeline of events:
- February 18, 2025: OSP agreed to an in-person interview set for June 2.
- May 27–28, 2025: OSP was notified of Mr. Ofori-Atta’s medical condition and upcoming surgery.
- June 2, 2025: OSP rejected the virtual interview proposal and insisted on physical attendance.
The family questioned whether this insistence was fair or reasonable, given the medical circumstances, and revealed that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s legal team has filed court actions to challenge the arrest warrant. They also raised concerns about whether Ghanaian authorities disclosed all relevant medical and legal information to INTERPOL.
The family accused the OSP of eight major infractions, including:
- Pursuit of a political vendetta
- Evidence suppression
- Denial of procedural flexibility
- Disregard for due process
- Breach of professional ethics
- Unlawful fugitive declaration
- Regulatory violations
- Human rights abuses
They reaffirmed Mr. Ofori-Atta’s record of cooperation with state institutions, including CHRAJ, ECOWAS Court of Justice, and Ghana’s Parliament. Claims that he is evading justice, they said, are “out of character, preposterous, and simply not true.”
The statement concluded with a commitment that Mr. Ofori-Atta will return to Ghana after his recovery to meet with the OSP in person.
“We are confident that Mr. Ofori-Atta’s rights will be restored, and when these investigations conclude, he will be acquitted in full view of the nation. Justice will find the Hamans,” the family declared.
