Embattled former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has been on INTERPOL Red Notice
Security consultant Richard Kumadoe has warned that the decision to have Ken Ofori‑Atta declared a “fugitive” and put on an INTERPOL Red Notice is not just a personal challenge, its consequences extend far wider, with potential national and international ramifications.
Here’s a breakdown of his key concerns in an interview with TV3.
Permanent international profiling
Kumadoe emphasised that once someone is red‑noted, their name is embedded across global law‑enforcement, border-control, and financial databases, marking them as “wanted” for life.
“The risk of being profiled as somebody who is wanted for crime internationally or fugitive for that matter it comes with a huge cost and dire consequences. The INTERPOL platform can be assessed by a lot of investigative agencies, law enforcement officers, departments and individuals who are into investigations. And all law enforcement agencies across the world are going to pick that data and risk profile Ken Ofori-Atta which means that the list we saw on the INTERPOL platform goes beyond the INTERPOL surroundings.”
Severely restricted movement
The INTERPOL Red Notice alerts authorities in 196 countries to detain Ofori‑Atta on sight. It effectively makes every border crossing a liability, potentially leading to his arrest even during transit
Financial and business fallout
Flagging by INTERPOL also acts as a red flag for banks, international financial institutions, and businesses, severely constraining Ofori‑Atta’s access to global transactions, loans, and commercial partnerships.
“The Second major issue is that Immigrations, Border Control and Financial institutions and all other places that profiling is a professional exercise on individuals are going to do so. This profile goes way beyond the individual Ken Ofori-Atta. It may affect the blood line, businesses, associates, acquittances and all other things around him. And at all points when his name is mentioned, issues of financial crime, money laundering and fraud is going to pop up as a red flag and that is the nature and complexity of the restrictions they are going to place on him.”
Network contagion
Importantly, Kumadoe warns this isn’t just about one individual. The Red Notice can have a domino effect, impacting colleagues, family members, and business associates.
“Risk goes beyond the individual… movement of money, assets, and resources could be a problem.”
Health concerns won’t shield from prosecution
While Ofori‑Atta’s lawyers cited medical reasons for his absence, Kumadoe asserts that “illness is not a shield from investigation or prosecution”, and the global system offers no special concessions to the ailing.
Ken Ofori-Atta has been officially listed on INTERPOL’s Red Notice database following a renewed request by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The move comes amidst ongoing corruption investigations and intensifies efforts to bring the former minister to justice.
The Red Notice, made public on June 5, 2025, describes Ofori-Atta as a 65-year-old Ghanaian male, born on November 7, 1959, in Accra. He is 1.7 metres tall with black hair and black eyes and speaks both English and Twi.
According to INTERPOL, he is wanted on the charge of “Using Public Office for Profit.” The OSP believes he is currently in the United States receiving medical treatment and is seeking international assistance to locate and provisionally arrest him, pending extradition or voluntary surrender.
This marks the second time the former minister has been declared a wanted person by the OSP. In February 2025, he was labelled a “fugitive from justice” for failing to appear before investigators after being summoned in relation to several high-profile corruption cases.
These include matters linked to the controversial National Cathedral project and a revenue assurance deal with Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML).
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