Latest news with #KenOfori-Atta
Business Insider
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
FBI clears Ghana's extradition request for most wanted former finance minister
The United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have reportedly expressed support for the Government of Ghana's request to extradite former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and listed on INTERPOL's Red Notice database. The United States Department of Justice and FBI support Ghana's request to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor and listed on INTERPOL's Red Notice database. The U.S. authorities do not view the charges against Ofori-Atta as political persecution. According to a report by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Accra confirmed that both agencies have determined that the legal processes initiated against Ofori-Atta are valid and do not constitute political persecution. No grounds for witch-hunt claims, U.S. authorities reportedly say The report indicates that the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI found no basis to classify the extradition request as a witch-hunt. It was also noted that any foreign national in the U.S. who believes they are being unfairly targeted by their home government may seek protection under U.S. immigration law. Ken Ofori-Atta, believed to be currently residing in the United States, was re-declared wanted by the OSP on 12 February 2025, with an INTERPOL Red Notice subsequently issued against him. OSP investigating multiple high-profile cases involving Ofori-Atta The Office of the Special Prosecutor is probing Ofori-Atta in relation to several significant public sector contracts and financial decisions during his tenure. These include: 1. Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd Contract - Alleged irregularities in contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the GRA for revenue assurance in key sectors. 2. ECG-BXC Contract Termination - Investigation into the cancellation of a distribution and loss reduction contract between ECG and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology. 3. National Cathedral Project - Scrutiny over procurement practices, payments, and contractor selection for the controversial National Cathedral. 4. Ambulance Procurement - Probing the Ministry of Health's contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the acquisition and servicing of over 300 ambulances. 5. GRA Tax Refund Account - Investigation into the management and use of funds from the Ghana Revenue Authority's tax refund account. EOCO and NIB Also on the Case Ghana's Deputy Attorney General has confirmed that in addition to the OSP's investigations, Ken Ofori-Atta is also under scrutiny by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) for related corruption and procurement infractions.
Business Insider
14-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
FBI clears Ghana's extradition request for Ghana's most wanted former Finance Minister
The United States Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have reportedly expressed support for the Government of Ghana's request to extradite former Minister for Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been declared wanted by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and listed on INTERPOL's Red Notice database. The United States Department of Justice and FBI support Ghana's request to extradite former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Ofori-Atta has been declared wanted by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor and listed on INTERPOL's Red Notice database. The U.S. authorities do not view the charges against Ofori-Atta as political persecution. According to a report by sources at the U.S. Embassy in Accra confirmed that both agencies have determined that the legal processes initiated against Ofori-Atta are valid and do not constitute political persecution. No grounds for witch-hunt claims, U.S. authorities reportedly say The report indicates that the U.S. Department of Justice and FBI found no basis to classify the extradition request as a witch-hunt. It was also noted that any foreign national in the U.S. who believes they are being unfairly targeted by their home government may seek protection under U.S. immigration law. Ken Ofori-Atta, believed to be currently residing in the United States, was re-declared wanted by the OSP on 12 February 2025, with an INTERPOL Red Notice subsequently issued against him. OSP investigating multiple high-profile cases involving Ofori-Atta The Office of the Special Prosecutor is probing Ofori-Atta in relation to several significant public sector contracts and financial decisions during his tenure. These include: 1. Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd Contract - Alleged irregularities in contracts between Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited and the GRA for revenue assurance in key sectors. 2. ECG-BXC Contract Termination - Investigation into the cancellation of a distribution and loss reduction contract between ECG and Beijing Xiao Cheng Technology. 3. National Cathedral Project - Scrutiny over procurement practices, payments, and contractor selection for the controversial National Cathedral. 4. Ambulance Procurement - Probing the Ministry of Health's contract with Service Ghana Auto Group Limited for the acquisition and servicing of over 300 ambulances. 5. GRA Tax Refund Account - Investigation into the management and use of funds from the Ghana Revenue Authority's tax refund account. EOCO and NIB Also on the Case Ghana's Deputy Attorney General has confirmed that in addition to the OSP's investigations, Ken Ofori-Atta is also under scrutiny by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) for related corruption and procurement infractions.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Interpol issues red notice for Ghana's ex-finance minister over corruption claims
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Global police organization Interpol placed Ghana 's former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta on its red notice list on Friday for allegedly using public office for personal gain. The notice follows a request from the West African country's prosecutors who have declared Ofori-Atta a 'fugitive' after he failed to appear before an investigative panel this month citing medical reasons. The former minister's lawyers said they submitted medical records to the court showing he is receiving treatment abroad. His exact location remains unclear. Ofori-Atta's lawyer, Frank Davies, told The Associated Press that the declaration of his client as a 'fugitive' is 'very condescending" and 'an unfettered infringement of Ofori-Atta's rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.' Davies said the former minister had informed the authorities of his intention to travel outside the country for medical attention since February. An Interpol red notice — while not an arrest warrant — alerts law enforcement agencies to locate and detain Ofori-Atta pending extradition. Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 for the New Patriotic Party, is accused of having been involved in several corruption cases, including the misuse of $58 million of public funds for a national cathedral project that never materialized. Last December, the NPP's candidate Mahamudu Bawumia lost the the presidential election to the National Democratic Congress nominee John Mahama. Since taking office in January, Mahama has launched an anti-corruption campaign aimed at recovering $20 billion in alleged stolen state funds. Critics, however, say the effort has spared allies of his administration. Ofori-Atta has not commented on the accusations, but has said in the past he was unlawfully treated by the prosecution. In March, he filed a lawsuit against the office of the special prosecutor, requesting the removal of 'damaging' content from the office's social media platforms.
Hamilton Spectator
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
Interpol issues red notice for Ghana's ex-finance minister over corruption claims
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Global police organization Interpol placed Ghana 's former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta on its red notice list on Friday for allegedly using public office for personal gain. The notice follows a request from the West African country's prosecutors who have declared Ofori-Atta a 'fugitive' after he failed to appear before an investigative panel this month citing medical reasons. The former minister's lawyers said they submitted medical records to the court showing he is receiving treatment abroad. His exact location remains unclear. Ofori-Atta's lawyer, Frank Davies, told The Associated Press that the declaration of his client as a 'fugitive' is 'very condescending' and 'an unfettered infringement of Ofori-Atta's rights to personal liberty and freedom of movement.' Davies said the former minister had informed the authorities of his intention to travel outside the country for medical attention since February. An Interpol red notice — while not an arrest warrant — alerts law enforcement agencies to locate and detain Ofori-Atta pending extradition. Ofori-Atta, who served as finance minister from 2017 to 2024 for the New Patriotic Party , is accused of having been involved in several corruption cases, including the misuse of $58 million of public funds for a national cathedral project that never materialized. Last December, the NPP's candidate Mahamudu Bawumia lost the the presidential election to the National Democratic Congress nominee John Mahama. Since taking office in January, Mahama has launched an anti-corruption campaign aimed at recovering $20 billion in alleged stolen state funds. Critics, however, say the effort has spared allies of his administration. Ofori-Atta has not commented on the accusations, but has said in the past he was unlawfully treated by the prosecution. In March, he filed a lawsuit against the office of the special prosecutor, requesting the removal of 'damaging' content from the office's social media platforms. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
06-06-2025
- Politics
- Toronto Star
Interpol issues red notice for Ghana's ex-finance minister over corruption claims
ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Global police organization Interpol placed Ghana 's former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta on its red notice list on Friday for allegedly using public office for personal gain. The notice follows a request from the West African country's prosecutors who have declared Ofori-Atta a 'fugitive' after he failed to appear before an investigative panel this month citing medical reasons. The former minister's lawyers said they submitted medical records to the court showing he is receiving treatment abroad. His exact location remains unclear.
