OSP's public red notice for Ofori-Atta is needless – Amanda Clinton

The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has declared former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta wanted again. This includes an INTERPOL Red Notice. Private legal practitioner Amanda Clinton criticized this decision.

Clinton acknowledges that an Interpol notification is legally appropriate. However, she believes the publicity was "needless" and could hurt the OSP's goals.

On June 6, 2025, Clinton spoke on the JoyNews AM Show. She responded to the OSP's re-issuance of the Red Notice after Ofori-Atta missed a deadline. Clinton highlighted a key difference between legal procedure and strategic execution.

"There is a fine line between informing the public and being overly political," she said. She noted that other countries do not politicize such cases as much.

Clinton emphasized that Red Notices are meant for discreet apprehension. They help catch high-profile individuals traveling by private or commercial planes. Many notices are designed to be covert for effective border control.

She warned that the OSP's public announcement might compromise international operations. This could prevent capturing individuals at borders effectively.

While public wanted lists can generate tips from citizens, Clinton argued they may not help in this case. For someone like Ofori-Atta, formal diplomatic channels are usually involved in apprehension.

Clinton also discussed extradition complexities. The requesting country must provide enough evidence for a prima facie case.

She pointed out the "political offence exception" in treaties, which can block extradition for political crimes. This could be used by Ofori-Atta’s legal team based on how charges are framed.

Clinton cautioned against "trial by media." Public declarations can damage reputations before legal processes unfold fully.

While she believes it would be better for Ofori-Atta to return and face charges, her critique focuses on the OSP's public relations strategy versus more effective law enforcement methods.