The Ghanaian government has initiated procedures that could place former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta on INTERPOL’s Red Notice list, marking a dramatic escalation in the country’s anti-corruption efforts. Sources within Ghana’s Attorney General’s office confirmed yesterday that formal documentation has been submitted following allegations of financial impropriety during Ofori-Atta’s tenure.
This development comes after a parliamentary inquiry uncovered discrepancies in several infrastructure project contracts approved between 2018 and 2022. The most controversial among these is the $1.2 billion Accra-Tema highway expansion, where government auditors identified approximately $240 million in unexplained cost overruns.
“The pursuit of accountability must transcend political affiliations,” stated Ghana’s Attorney General Godfred Dame in a press conference held in Accra. “Our commitment is to recover misappropriated funds regardless of who is involved.”
Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 until early 2023, has reportedly left Ghana for what his representatives described as “scheduled medical treatment” in Switzerland. His sudden departure occurred just three days before the Attorney General’s announcement, raising questions about the timing.
The former minister’s spokesperson, Daniel Koomson, vigorously denied the allegations in a statement released this morning. “These accusations are politically motivated attempts to tarnish Mr. Ofori-Atta’s distinguished record of service,” Koomson asserted. “He will cooperate fully with authorities while maintaining his innocence.”
According to Dr. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning, security expert at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, an INTERPOL Red Notice would significantly restrict Ofori-Atta’s movement. “This is essentially an international wanted persons alert,” Dr. Aning explained during our telephone interview. “While not an arrest warrant per se, it would make international travel extremely difficult and potentially lead to detention at border crossings.”
Data from Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office indicates that approximately 4.8 billion Ghanaian cedis (roughly $400 million) in government funds remain unaccounted for from projects initiated during Ofori-Atta’s tenure. This represents nearly 3% of Ghana’s annual budget during peak years under his leadership.
The World Bank’s recent Governance Indicators report highlighted Ghana’s declining scores in corruption control, dropping twelve points since 2018. This external assessment has intensified pressure on current President Nana Akufo-Addo, who once campaigned on anti-corruption platforms.
Ghanaian civil society organizations have welcomed the government’s actions. “This represents a potential turning point in our nation’s fight against impunity,” said Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, a policy think tank based in Accra. “However, we must ensure this isn’t merely political theater but rather the beginning of systematic reform.”
The controversy has divided Ghana’s political landscape. Opposition parties claim the timing suggests political calculation rather than genuine accountability, pointing out that Ofori-Atta maintained his position despite previous corruption allegations until his party began positioning for upcoming elections.
International financial markets have responded cautiously to the news. Ghana’s sovereign bonds dipped slightly in early trading following the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about political stability. The cedi has remained relatively stable, suggesting that markets had already priced in political uncertainty.
From my years covering West African politics, I’ve observed that high-profile corruption cases often reveal deeper systemic issues. Ghana’s situation appears no different. The country’s anti-corruption infrastructure remains underfunded despite public pronouncements, with the Auditor-General’s office operating at approximately 60% of recommended staffing levels.
For ordinary Ghanaians, corruption scandals represent more than political drama. According to Ghana Statistical Service data, infrastructure project inefficiencies directly impact service delivery, with communities near the controversial highway project experiencing an average 45-minute increase in commute times due to construction delays.
Professor Audrey Gadzekpo of the University of Ghana’s Communication Studies Department notes that public cynicism presents a significant challenge. “Many citizens have grown skeptical after witnessing previous corruption investigations fade away without resolution,” she told me during our conversation at her Legon campus office last week.
INTERPOL typically processes Red Notice requests within 7-10 working days, according to their published protocols. Ghanaian officials anticipate a decision by early next month, though INTERPOL does not comment on specific pending cases.
As this situation unfolds, Ghana finds itself at a crossroads. The government’s willingness to pursue a former high-ranking official signals potential commitment to accountability. However, the true test lies in whether this case represents an isolated action or the beginning of comprehensive anti-corruption reform.
For now, Ghanaians watch closely as their former Finance Minister faces potential international restrictions while questions about their nation’s financial management remain unanswered.
